In breech birth, if the body delivers but the head does not, which technique is described to create space for respiration?

• A. Push the presenting part back
• B. Form a V along the vaginal wall with your fingers and push against the vagina to create space for respiration
• C. Deliver the head with forceps
• D. Clamp and cut the cord immediately

Answer: (B)

When a breech birth has the body delivered but the head remains, the priority is to open space in the birth canal so the head can deliver and the airway can be established. Forming a V along the vaginal wall with your fingers and pushing against the vagina creates a channel in front of the head, reducing compression from the vaginal tissues and allowing the head to descend and extend enough to be born. This is a temporary, rescue-like maneuver to facilitate respiration.

Pushing the presenting part back isn’t a controlled way to relieve head entrapment and can cause injury. Delivering the head with forceps requires specialized skill and equipment not available in many settings. Clamping and cutting the cord immediately interrupts placental support and doesn’t address the obstruction keeping the head from delivering.