In obstetrics, position is the orientation of the foetus (baby) in the womb, identified by the location of the presenting part of the foetus relative to the pelvis
of the mother.
Conventionally, it is the position assumed by the foetus before the process of birth, as the foetus assumes various positions and postures during the course of childbirth.
Conventionally, it is the position assumed by the foetus before the process of birth, as the foetus assumes various positions and postures during the course of childbirth.
Positions
Depending upon which part of the foetus is expected to be delivered first (foetal presentation), there are many possible positions:- Vertex presentation with longitudinal lie:
| Name | Abb. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Left occipitoanterior | LOA | occiput, 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 |
- Breech presentation with longitudinal lie:
- 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.
- Right sacrum anterior (RSA)—the buttocks face anteriorly and towards the right.
- Left sacrum posterior (LSP)—the buttocks face posteriorly and towards the left.
- Right sacrum posterior (RSP)—the buttocks face posteriorly and towards right.
- Sacrum anterior (SA)—the buttocks face anteriorly.
- Sacrum posterior (SP)—the buttocks face posteriorly.
- Shoulder presentation with transverse lie are classified into four types, based on the location of the scapula (shoulderblade); note: the presentation is significantly different from asynclitic positioning, and in most cases needs to be delivered by cesarean section.
- Left scapula-anterior (LSA)
- Right scapula-anterior (RSA)
- Left scapula-posterior (LSP)
- Right scapula-posterior (RSP) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> continue reading
