iStock/ThinkstockBy DR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor
Most expectant mothers want to wait as long as possible before heading to the hospital to give birth. But that doesn’t always happen.
When a woman delivers her baby before making it to the hospital, it’s called an extramural delivery. It can be stressful and dramatic, and it sometimes even makes the local news.
Even with a mom or dad with a medical background — such as a cop, firefighter or paramedic — delivering your own baby can be intense. So what should you know?
First, don’t panic. If you or someone else is driving, pull over to a safe place and call 911.
Once the baby is out, wipe the nose and mouth of secretions and quickly wrap the baby in a dry blanket to keep it warm.
And don’t worry about tying the cord of the placenta — there’s no rush.
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