In a breech birth, which action is performed to clear the airway?

In a breech birth, which action is performed to clear the airway?

• A. Elevate the mother’s hips (knee-to-chest position)
• B. Administer blow-by oxygen to the newborn
• C. Insert a gloved hand into the vagina and push the vaginal wall away from the baby's nose and mouth
• D. Expedite transport while maintaining knee-to-chest position

Answer: (C)

In a breech birth the airway can become obstructed by the baby’s face pressing against the vaginal walls as the rest of the body delivers. Clearing the airway quickly is essential for the newborn to begin breathing. The best action is to insert a gloved hand into the vagina and gently push the vaginal wall away from the baby’s nose and mouth. This maneuver exposes the mouth and nose so you can suction or wipe away secretions and ensure a clear airway before the head delivers and ventilatory support is established. The other actions don’t directly address airway obstruction: changing the mother’s position or expediting transport don’t clear the airway, and giving blow-by oxygen doesn’t resolve an airway blockage in the moment of delivery.

In a breech birth the airway can become obstructed by the baby’s face pressing against the vaginal walls as the rest of the body delivers. Clearing the airway quickly is essential for the newborn to begin breathing. The best action is to insert a gloved hand into the vagina and gently push the vaginal wall away from the baby’s nose and mouth. This maneuver exposes the mouth and nose so you can suction or wipe away secretions and ensure a clear airway before the head delivers and ventilatory support is established.

The other actions don’t directly address airway obstruction: changing the mother’s position or expediting transport don’t clear the airway, and giving blow-by oxygen doesn’t resolve an airway blockage in the moment of delivery.