During a vaginal breech delivery, the body is delivered up to the umbilicus but the head is trapped. The Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit maneuver is attempted. Which of the following correctly describes this maneuver?
- A Two fingers are placed on the maxillary prominences to flex the head while an assistant applies suprapubic pressure ✓
- B The fetal trunk is rotated 180 degrees to allow the chin to engage under the symphysis
- C Piper forceps are applied to the aftercoming head from below
- D The posterior arm is delivered by sweeping it across the chest
Correct answer: A. Two fingers are placed on the maxillary prominences to flex the head while an assistant applies suprapubic pressure
Explanation
The Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit maneuver involves placing two fingers on the fetal maxillae (malar bones) to flex the fetal head while the operator's other hand applies traction on the fetal shoulders, with an assistant applying suprapubic pressure. This maintains head flexion during breech head delivery. Option B describes internal podalic version. Option C is a separate adjunct (Piper forceps). Option D describes the Lovset maneuver for arm delivery.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.