Position (obstetrics)
Position (obstetrics)
Position in obstetrics refers to the orientation of the fetus within the uterus during childbirth. Pronounced as /pəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/, the term originates from the Latin word 'positio', meaning 'placement' or 'location'.
Description
In obstetrics, the position of the fetus is determined by the part of the fetus that is closest to the cervix. This can be the head (vertex presentation), buttocks (breech presentation), or shoulder (shoulder presentation). The position is further classified based on the direction the fetus is facing: anterior, posterior, or transverse.
Types of Positions
- Vertex Position: The most common position for childbirth, where the fetus's head is down and facing the mother's back.
- Breech Position: The fetus is positioned bottom first. This position can lead to complications during delivery and often results in a cesarean section.
- Transverse Position: The fetus is lying horizontally in the uterus. This position is rare and often results in a cesarean section.
Related Terms
- Presentation (obstetrics): The part of the fetus that is felt first by the examining hand or is first to descend into the pelvic cavity during childbirth.
- Station (obstetrics): Refers to the relationship of the presenting fetal part to an imaginary line drawn between the maternal ischial spines.
- Engagement (obstetrics): The largest diameter of the presenting part has passed through the pelvic inlet.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Position (obstetrics)
- Wikipedia's article - Position (obstetrics)
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski