Unexpected birth in the emergency department: the role of the advanced practice nurse

Emergency department (ED) births are relatively uncommon, but when they occur, the advanced practice nurse is in a unique position to assist the mother through unexpected vaginal delivery in the ED. The purpose of this article is to guide the advanced practice nurse through the process of care for a woman giving birth in the emergency department. Anticipation, preparation, "the catch," the newborn, the placenta, stabilization, and transport are the individual steps reviewed in this article. The focus of this manuscript is also to discuss the management of a mother and neonate during and following an unexpected vaginal birth.