Final answer:
To control the birth of the fetal head with a vertex presentation during the expulsion stage, healthcare providers manage the process of the fetus entering and passing through the birth canal, which is facilitated by true labor contractions. An occiput anterior vertex position leads to the easiest vaginal birth, while challenging presentations like breech may require a Caesarian section.
Step-by-step explanation:
A means of controlling the birth of the fetal head with a vertex presentation involves managing the expulsion stage of childbirth. This stage is characterized by the fetus entering the birth canal and ends with the birth of the newborn. The process typically lasts up to 2 hours but can vary based on the fetus's orientation. For a vertex presentation, particularly the occiput anterior vertex, the fetus faces the maternal spinal cord and the occiput, or the back of the head, comes out first. This is the most common and easiest presentation for vaginal birth.
During childbirth, strong uterine contractions are stimulated by the stretching of the myometrium and cervix as a consequence of the fetus being in a head-down position. These contractions, known as true labor, intensify over time and facilitate the expulsion of the newborn. In the case of a breech presentation, where the fetus is buttocks down, vaginal delivery is less common and most are delivered by Caesarian section in modern practices.
Upon the birth of the newborn's head, medical professionals may perform necessary procedures such as an episiotomy or aspirating mucus from the newborn to ensure a clear airway. Finally, the umbilical cord is double-clamped and cut, marking the completion of the childbirth's second stage.