The modified Lovset's maneuver is employed during vaginal breech delivery. What is its purpose?
- A To flex the fetal head after delivery of the trunk
- B To disengage the shoulders by applying traction on the thorax
- C To deliver the extended arms by rotating the fetus to bring each arm anteriorly for sweeping down ✓
- D To deliver the posterior arm first using upward traction on the torso
Correct answer: C. To deliver the extended arms by rotating the fetus to bring each arm anteriorly for sweeping down
Explanation
Løvset's maneuver is used when the fetal arms are extended or nuchal in breech delivery. The technique involves: (1) grasping the fetal pelvis with both thumbs on the sacrum, (2) rotating the fetus 180° keeping the back uppermost so the previously posterior shoulder becomes anterior and below the symphysis, allowing the arm to be swept down across the face. Rotation is then reversed 180° to deliver the other arm. This maneuver exploits the oblique diameter of the pelvis. It is specifically for extended (not just nuchal) arm delivery.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.