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Position (obstetrics)

In obstetrics, position is the orientation of the fetus in the womb, identified by the location of the presenting part of the fetus relative to the pelvis of the mother. Conventionally, it is the position assumed by the fetus before the process of birth, as the fetus assumes various positions and postures during the course of childbirth.

Positions

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Depending upon which part of the fetus is expected to be delivered first (fetal presentation), there are many possible positions:

Name Abb. Description
Left occipitoanterior LOA occiput,[note 1] as against the buttocks, is close to the vagina (hence known as vertex presentation) faces anteriorly (forward with mother standing) and towards left. This is the most common position and lie.
Right occipitoanterior ROA occiput faces anteriorly and towards right. Less common than LOA, but not associated with labor complications.
Left occipitoposterior occiput faces posteriorly (behind) and towards left.
Right occipitoposterior ROP occiput faces posteriorly and towards right.
Occipitoanterior occiput faces anteriorly (absolutely straight without any turning to any of the sides)
Occipitoposterior occiput faces posteriorly (absolutely straight without any turning to any of the sides)
Left occipitotransverse LOT occiput faces left
Right occipitotransverse ROT occiput faces right
  1. Left sacrum anterior (LSA)—the buttocks, as against the occiput of the vertex presentation, like close to the vagina (hence known as breech presentation), which lie anteriorly and towards the left.
  2. Right sacrum anterior (RSA)—the buttocks face anteriorly and towards the right.
  3. Left sacrum posterior (LSP)—the buttocks face posteriorly and towards the left.
  4. Right sacrum posterior (RSP)—the buttocks face posteriorly and towards right.
  5. Sacrum anterior (SA)—the buttocks face anteriorly.
  6. Sacrum posterior (SP)—the buttocks face posteriorly.
  1. Left scapula-anterior (LSA)
  2. Right scapula-anterior (RSA)
  3. Left scapula-posterior (LSP)
  4. Right scapula-posterior (RSP)

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Occiput is the prominence of the back of the head

References

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  1. ^ Kish, Karen; Joseph V. Collea (2003). "Malpresentation & Cord Prolapse (Chapter 21)". In Alan H. DeCherney (ed.). Current Obstetric & Gynecologic Diagnosis & Treatment. Lauren Nathan (Ninth ed.). Lange/McGraw-Hill. p. 369. ISBN 0-07-118207-1.
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