What is the purpose of the Ritgen maneuver?

The Ritgen maneuver is specifically designed to assist in the delivery of the fetal head during childbirth. It involves applying upward pressure on the fetal chin while simultaneously providing downward pressure on the vertex, which helps to guide the fetal head through the birth canal in a controlled manner. This maneuver is particularly useful in ensuring that the head emerges in a way that minimizes the risk of perineal tearing and other complications, thereby aiding in a smoother delivery process.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of the Ritgen maneuver. The delivery of the placenta is typically achieved through different techniques, while monitoring the fetal heart rate during contractions involves other methods and is not related to the physical maneuvering of the fetus. Maternal recovery post-delivery focuses on the care provided after the baby has been born, which is also not relevant to the actions taken during the fetal delivery phase that the Ritgen maneuver addresses.