During delivery, after the head is delivered, what is the recommended next step for clearing the airway if needed?

• A. Suction mouth and nose
• B. Rotate baby's head into anatomical position
• C. Clamp and cut the umbilical cord
• D. Apply firm pressure on mother's abdomen

Answer: (A)

Clearing the newborn’s airway is the first priority as the baby transitions to breathing. After the head is delivered, suction the mouth to remove any secretions, then suction the nose if needed. This order helps prevent aspiration and ensures the airway is open for spontaneous breathing or subsequent ventilation. The other actions don’t address airway clearance: moving or rotating the head isn’t part of neonatal airway management, clamping and cutting the umbilical cord comes later, and applying firm pressure on the mother’s abdomen is unrelated to clearing the baby’s airway and could interfere with the mother.