Signs of Imminent Delivery
Crowning, an urge to push, and contractions less than 2 minutes apart suggest birth is near. Prepare the OB kit, use standard precautions, and support the head as it emerges. Check for a nuchal cord and slip it over the head if present.
Newborn Care
Dry and warm the baby, stimulate, and suction only if there is obstruction. Clamp and cut the cord after pulsations slow. Assess the APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes.
Complications
Prolapsed cord requires knee-chest positioning and manual elevation of the presenting part. Breech delivery needs hands-off support until the head delivers. Postpartum hemorrhage is treated with fundal massage and rapid transport.