Labor and Fetal Positioning

Nov 12, 2024

Lecture Notes: Factors Affecting Labor and Fetal Position

Introduction

  • Presenter: Maris
  • Topic: Factors affecting labor, fetal position, and fetal station
  • Resources: Maternity flashcards from leveluprn.com

Factors Affecting Labor

The Three Ps

  • Passageway
    • Refers to the birth canal
    • Anatomical considerations (e.g., tilted pelvis, cervix condition) can influence labor
  • Powers
    • Refers to contractions
    • Effectiveness in affecting the cervix is crucial for labor progress
  • Passenger
    • Refers to the fetus
    • Focus on fetal position and fetal station

Fetal Position

Describing Fetal Position

  • Three-letter notation
    • First Letter: L (Left) or R (Right)
    • Middle Letter: Part of fetus (e.g., Occiput (O), Mentum (M), Scapula (SC), Sacrum (S))
    • Last Letter: Position in relation to the pelvis (Anterior (A), Posterior (P), Transverse (T))
  • Example: LOA (Left Occiput Anterior)
    • Optimal positioning: LOA is preferred, ROA is second-best
    • Avoid posterior positions (e.g., ROP), as they lead to complications ("sunny side up" delivery)

Fetal Presentation Illustration

  • Focus on occiput presentation
  • Illustrations help clarify fetal position

Fetal Station

Understanding Fetal Station

  • Describes how far the presenting part has descended into the pelvis
  • Station 0: At the level of the ischial spines
  • Negative Numbers: Higher up in the pelvis
  • Positive Numbers: Closer to the vaginal opening
    • Mnemonic: "Plus 4 on the floor" (Positive station means closer to birth)

Illustration

  • Shows baby position in relation to pelvis
  • Example: -3 station = not close to delivery, +3 station = close to delivery

Knowledge Check Questions

  • Question 1: What does ROP mean?
  • Question 2: What is the optimal presentation for the fetus for a well-facilitated birth?
  • Question 3: If a baby is at the level of the ischial spines, what station are they at?

Conclusion

  • Encourage to subscribe to the channel and share with classmates
  • Engage with video through likes, comments, and sharing

Note: Illustrations mentioned are part of the maternity flashcards.

Full transcript