Support the head, check for a nuchal cord, deliver the top shoulder then the bottom.
Before you read
Test yourself first: 1 question
Question 1 of 1
Immediately after a normal birth, the newborn's first care is to:
Answer: A. Drying, warming and gentle stimulation prevent heat loss and usually start effective breathing. Routine deep suctioning is not recommended and can slow the heart. In a vigorous newborn the cord is clamped after at least 60 seconds, and holding a baby upside down is never indicated.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
What is childbirth & the newborn?
The examinable content is the sequence of a normal birth, the newborn's first minute, and recognizing the complications that need immediate transport.
Key points to remember
- Support the head, check for a nuchal cord, deliver the top shoulder then the bottom.
- Dry, warm and stimulate. Clamp the cord after at least 60 seconds in a vigorous newborn.
- Heart rate below 100 after drying → ventilate. Below 60 after 30 s of good ventilation → 3:1 compressions.
- APGAR at 1 and 5 minutes: appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration.
- Never pull the cord to deliver the placenta; massage the fundus for heavy bleeding after it.
Field priorities
- Prolapsed cord: hips up, lift the presenting part off the cord, keep it moist, transport.
- Limb presentation: do not pull — position and transport immediately.
- Late pregnancy and dizzy on her back: turn her to the left side.
Coaching the patient
- Previa bleeds painlessly and bright red; abruption hurts.
Red flags: act now
- Headache, vision changes and swelling after 20 weeks (preeclampsia)
- Painful rigid abdomen with bleeding (abruption)
- Pain, missed period and shock (ectopic)
Childbirth & the Newborn: FAQs
What are the priority actions for Childbirth & the Newborn in the field?
Prolapsed cord: hips up, lift the presenting part off the cord, keep it moist, transport. Limb presentation: do not pull — position and transport immediately. Late pregnancy and dizzy on her back: turn her to the left side.
What findings in Childbirth & the Newborn change your plan or your transport decision?
Headache, vision changes and swelling after 20 weeks (preeclampsia). Painful rigid abdomen with bleeding (abruption). Pain, missed period and shock (ectopic).
What do I need to know about Childbirth & the Newborn for the NREMT?
Support the head, check for a nuchal cord, deliver the top shoulder then the bottom. Dry, warm and stimulate. Clamp the cord after at least 60 seconds in a vigorous newborn. Heart rate below 100 after drying → ventilate. Below 60 after 30 s of good ventilation → 3:1 compressions. APGAR at 1 and 5 minutes: appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration.
What should the crew communicate or document for Childbirth & the Newborn?
Previa bleeds painlessly and bright red; abruption hurts.
