Emergency Home Birth: What to Do If Your Baby Arrives Unexpectedly

Most moms-to-be plan for a hospital or birth center delivery, but sometimes, babies have their own plans! If labor progresses faster than expected and there’s no time to get to the hospital, you may need to deliver your baby at home. While an emergency home birth can sound overwhelming, staying calm, prepared, and knowing what to do can make all the difference. Let’s go over step-by-step instructions on how to safely handle an unexpected home birth.

Signs That Birth Is Imminent

If you experience the following signs, your baby may be arriving very soon:
✔ Strong, frequent contractions (every 2-3 minutes, lasting 60+ seconds)
✔ Feeling an intense urge to push (like a strong bowel movement)
✔ Baby’s head is visible (crowning)
✔ Water has broken and labor is progressing rapidly
✔ Sudden pressure in the pelvis or perineum Call 911 immediately if you suspect you won’t make it to the hospital. Emergency responders can guide you and arrive to assist.

Step-by-Step Guide for an Emergency Home Birth

If the baby is coming too fast for you to reach the hospital, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 

• Tell the dispatcher you’re in active labor and the baby is coming quickly.
• If someone is with you, have them stay on the phone for medical guidance.
• Unlock the door so paramedics can enter when they arrive.

2. Find a Safe, Clean Space 

• Lie down on a bed, couch, or clean floor (use towels or blankets).
• If possible, place a waterproof sheet or plastic bag underneath you.
• Kneel, squat, or lay on your side—choose whatever feels natural.

3. Wash Hands & Get Supplies 

If time allows, grab:
Clean towels or blankets
A bowl or basin (for fluids)
Shoelaces or string (to tie the umbilical cord if needed)
A suction bulb or clean cloth (to wipe baby’s mouth and nose) If nothing is available, don’t panic—your body knows what to do!

4. Support the Baby’s Head 

• As the baby crowns, gently place your hands under the head.
• Do not pull—let the baby’s body come out naturally.
• If the cord is wrapped around the neck, gently loosen it or slip it over the baby’s head.

5. Guide the Rest of the Baby’s Body 

• Once the head is out, the shoulders and body will follow quickly.
• Be ready to catch the baby! They will be slippery, so hold them securely.
• If the baby doesn’t cry immediately, gently rub their back or flick their feet.

6. Dry & Keep the Baby Warm 

• Use a clean towel or blanket to dry the baby.
• Place the baby on your chest, skin-to-skin, and cover both of you with a warm blanket.
• Do not cut the umbilical cord unless instructed by paramedics.

7. Wait for the Placenta to Deliver 

• The placenta will naturally detach within 15-30 minutes after birth.
• Do not pull on the cord—let it come out on its own.
• Place the placenta in a clean bowl or towel until medical help arrives.

If there’s heavy bleeding, lie down and massage your belly in circular motions to help the uterus contract.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Call 911 or get emergency medical attention if:
Severe bleeding (soaking more than one pad in 15 minutes)
The baby isn’t breathing (gently rub their back and flick their feet while waiting for help)
Placenta doesn’t come out within an hour
You feel dizzy, faint, or have intense pain after birth Even if everything seems fine, you and your baby should go to the hospital as soon as possible for a full checkup.

How to Prepare for a Possible Emergency Birth

While emergency home births are rare, having a plan can help you feel more confident. Learn the signs of labor progression so you know when to go to the hospital.
Keep emergency birth supplies (clean towels, gloves, scissors, shoelaces) in your home or car.

Plan your route to the hospital and have a backup plan in case of traffic or bad weather.
Have emergency contacts ready, including your doctor, hospital, and 911.

While an unexpected home birth can feel overwhelming, your body is designed for labor. Staying calm, calling for help, and following these simple steps can ensure a safe delivery for both you and your baby.

No matter how or where your baby is born, the most important thing is keeping you both safe, warm, and cared for until medical help arrives.