If the amniotic sac has not broken:

If the amniotic sac has not broken:

• A. Use your finger or a clamp to puncture the sac and pull it away from the infant's head and mouth as they appear.
• B. Wait for spontaneous rupture.
• C. Push back the sac into the uterus.
• D. Cut the cord early.

Answer: (A)

When the amniotic sac is still intact around the baby's head, the goal is to open the airway so the newborn can breathe. Gently puncture the sac with a sterile finger or instrument and tear it away from the infant’s face as the head crowns. This frees the mouth and nose for suctioning and breathing. Waiting for spontaneous rupture can delay breathing and delivery. Pushing the sac back into the uterus isn’t appropriate because it can obstruct delivery, and cutting the cord early is not done until after birth and proper assessment.

When the amniotic sac is still intact around the baby's head, the goal is to open the airway so the newborn can breathe. Gently puncture the sac with a sterile finger or instrument and tear it away from the infant’s face as the head crowns. This frees the mouth and nose for suctioning and breathing. Waiting for spontaneous rupture can delay breathing and delivery. Pushing the sac back into the uterus isn’t appropriate because it can obstruct delivery, and cutting the cord early is not done until after birth and proper assessment.