Amniotic sac-rupturing devices are disclosed in various configurations that
are mounted on the hand of a physician to present a shielded hook, positioned on
the physician's fingertip, supported by a flexible but firm substrate that extends
from the fingertip to the palm and yet conforms to the corresponding contours of
the finger during use, while still exposing critical portions of the fingertip
for digitally examining an expectant mother's cervix prior to rupturing the amniotic
sac. The sac-rupturing devices include a split ring mid-length, and a widened base
handle that fits in the palm, to also help secure the hook on the physician's finger
and ensure that the hook is readily withdrawn from the birth canal after rupturing
the amniotic sac. Alternative hook arrangements are also disclosed, as well as
methods of using the same.
