PRECIPITATE LABOURDefinitionWhen the combined duration of first and second stage of labour is lasting less than 3 hours is called pricipitate labour. It is common in multigravidae and may be repetitive. Rapid expulsion is due to combined effect of hyperactive uterine contraction associated with diminished soft tissue resistance.AetiologyIt is more common in multiparas when there are; strong uterine contractions, small sized baby, roomy pelvis, Minimal soft tissue resistance.Complications Maternal Lacerations of the cervix, vagina and perineum. Shock. Inversion of the uterus. Postpartum haemorrhage: no time for retraction, lacerations. Sepsis due to: lacerations, inappropriate surroundings. Fetal Intracranial haemorrhage due to sudden compression and decompression of the head (No time for moulding of head). Fetal asphyxia due to: strong frequent uterine contractions reducing placental perfusion, lack of immediate resuscitation. Bleeding from torn the umbilical cord. Fetal injury due to falling down if delivery occurs in standing position.ManagementBefore deliveryPatient who had previous precipitate labour should be hospitalized before expected date of delivery as she is more prone to repeated precipitate labour.During delivery Inhalation anaesthesia: as nitrous oxide during contraction and oxygen is given to slow the course of labour. Tocolytic agents: as ritodrine (Yutopar) may be effective. Episiotomy to avoid perineal lacerations and intracranial haemorrhage. Delivery of the head should be controlled but not prevented. Elective induction of labour by low rupture of membranes and careful conduction of controlled may be advantageous. Oxytocin augmentation should be avoided.After deliveryExamine the mother and fetus for injuries.