During labor, you see a baby's arm protruding from the vagina. What should you do?

In the scenario where a baby's arm is protruding from the vagina during labor, the most appropriate action is to cover the arm with a sterile towel and transport immediately. This approach helps protect the exposed area from infection and maintains a sterile environment, which is crucial at this delicate stage. Covering the arm also reduces the risk of injury to both the infant and the mother. Transporting the mother to a medical facility promptly allows for emergency intervention, as this situation could indicate a complicated delivery requiring specialized care.

It's important to note that gently pushing the arm back into the vagina is not advisable, as this could cause further complications or distress to the baby. Encouraging the mother to push with high-flow oxygen isn’t appropriate in this situation either, since the presence of a protruding arm suggests that pushing could exacerbate potential complications. Inserting fingers into the vagina to try to turn the baby may also pose risks, including injury to the fetus and the mother, and could delay necessary medical assistance. Thus, covering the arm and seeking urgent transportation is the recommended and safest course of action.