231k views
1 vote
During breach delivery, what should you do if the baby's head is not delivered after the body?

User Fynnlyte
by
7.4k points

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

In a breech delivery, if the baby's head doesn't deliver after the body, this requires immediate medical intervention which could include manual maneuvers or an emergency Caesarian section. The delivery of the placenta marks the end of the labor process and if not delivered within 30 minutes, further medical intervention may be needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Management of Breech Deliveries where the Baby's Head is not Delivered

In the case of a breech delivery where the baby's body has been delivered but the head remains undelivered, immediate medical attention by an obstetrician is crucial. If the baby's head does not follow promptly after the body, this can become an obstetrical emergency, as the compressed umbilical cord may compromise the baby's oxygen supply. During the descent through the birth canal, a normal delivery sees the baby's head enter first with the occiput anterior position being most common for ease. However, with breech deliveries, different maneuvers or techniques may be employed to assist with the delivery of the head. Situations like these may sometimes necessitate a transition to a Caesarian section to safely deliver the baby if other methods are not successful.

Normally, after the delivery of the baby, the third stage of labor involves delivering the placenta, also known as the afterbirth. If the placenta does not deliver spontaneously within 30 minutes, it may be manually removed or require surgical intervention. Understanding the stages of labor and the potential complications that can arise, like a retained head in breech delivery, is essential for safe pregnancy and childbirth.

User Jaana
by
7.5k points