For a nuchal cord, what is the recommended action?

• A. Cut the cord immediately when delivered.
• B. Slip cord over the head and off neck; clamp and cut cord if wrapped too tightly.
• C. Leave the cord in place until hospital arrival.
• D. Tuck the loop under the baby's chin.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to relieve the compression from a nuchal cord quickly to protect the baby’s airway and circulation. Start by gently slipping the cord over the baby’s head and off the neck if you can do so without delaying delivery. If the loop is too tight to slip over, clamp the cord in two places and cut between the clamps to remove the loop from the neck. This approach minimizes interruption to oxygen delivery and avoids leaving the loop constricting the neck. Do not cut the cord immediately at delivery without attempting to free the neck, and don’t leave the loop in place or tuck it under the chin, as neither option effectively relieves compression and can impede breathing.