What action should the caregiver take during the crowning phase of labor?

During the crowning phase of labor, the correct action for the caregiver is to prepare for immediate delivery. Crowning occurs when the fetal head is visible at the vaginal opening and signifies that the baby is about to be born. This is a critical point in the birthing process, as the caregiver needs to be fully prepared to assist in the delivery of the baby safely. This involves ensuring that the necessary equipment is ready, the delivery space is cleared, and that any immediate support measures are in place for both the mother and the newborn.

In this phase, encouraging the mother to push and assessing the fetal heart rate are generally important actions throughout labor. However, at the moment of crowning, the priority shifts to delivery preparation rather than additional assessments or encouragement. Administering oxygen to the mother may be necessary under certain circumstances, but it is not a standard action during crowning unless there are specific indications for the need, such as maternal distress or signs of fetal distress. Overall, focusing on the imminent delivery is crucial at this stage to ensure both the mother and the baby receive the care they need during the final moments of labor.