Define ‘presentation’ in obstetrics.
Part of the fetus overlying the pelvic inlet; the part that engages the birth canal. 【45†4】
Which presentation is considered normal?
Cephalic presentation, subdivided into vertex, brow, and face by degree of neck flexion. 【45†4】
Define ‘lie’ of the fetus.
Relationship between fetal and maternal spinal axes. Longitudinal lie is normal; transverse or oblique are abnormal. 【45†5】
Define ‘position’ in fetal orientation.
Relation of a fetal bony point to maternal pelvis—occiput for vertex, sacrum for breech, mentum for face. 【45†6】
What is ‘attitude’ of the fetus?
Relationship of fetal parts to each other; flexed, military, or hyperextended. 【45†6】
Define ‘asynclitism.’
Fetal head tilted toward one shoulder; opposite parietal eminence enters first. 【45†4】
List common abnormal presentations.
Breech, face, brow, compound, and shoulder (transverse lie). 【45†4】【45†19】【45†20】
Define breech presentation.
Longitudinal lie where fetal buttocks/lower extremities present first. 【45†10】
Three varieties of breech presentation?
Frank (hips flexed, knees extended), complete (hips/knees flexed), incomplete (one/both hips extended). 【45†10】
Which breech type carries highest cord prolapse risk?
Incomplete breech, as the presenting part does not fill the cervix. 【45†12】
Define face presentation.
Neck is hyperextended backward; occurs in ~1 in 600–800 births. 【45†19】
Define brow presentation.
Cervical spine midway between flexion and extension; often requires cesarean for dystocia. 【45†19】
Define compound presentation.
An extremity prolapses beside the main presenting part (often an upper extremity). 【45†20】
Define shoulder presentation.
Also called transverse lie; mandates cesarean except after successful version or second twin extraction. 【45†20】
Most common abnormal presentation?
Breech presentation. 【45†11】
Success rate of external cephalic version (ECV)?
Approximately 58%. 【45†13】
Optimal timing for ECV?
After 36–37 weeks, once fetus is mature but before engagement. 【45†13】
Common contraindication to ECV?
Oligohydramnios. 【45†13】
Key prerequisites for ECV success?
Unengaged presenting part, normal amniotic fluid, posterior fetal back, parous patient, non-obese mother. 【45†13】
Pharmacologic adjunct to ECV?
Tocolytic (e.g., terbutaline) before manipulation; neuraxial analgesia improves success. 【45†14】
Why monitor FHR and have OR ready during ECV?
Because fetal distress or cord compression may require emergent cesarean. 【45†14】
Preferred mode of delivery for breech fetus?
Cesarean for most due to decreased expertise with vaginal breech delivery. 【45†15】
When can planned vaginal breech delivery be reasonable?
Under strict hospital protocol with experienced team and informed consent. 【45†16】
Three types of vaginal breech delivery?
Spontaneous, assisted (partial extraction), and total breech extraction. 【45†17】