Malpositions and malpresentations of the fetal head

Nearly 95% of fetuses at term present with the vertex and with such a presentation, the vast majority of women progress well in labour and have a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Any presentations other than vertex can lead to difficulties in labour and hence are called as malpresentations. Malpresenta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine gynaecology and reproductive medicine, 2018-03, Vol.28 (3), p.83-91
Main Authors: Sinha, Suparna, Talaulikar, Vikram S., Arulkumaran, Sabaratnam
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
brow
face
malposition
malpresentation
occipitoposterior
occipitotransverse
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Summary:Nearly 95% of fetuses at term present with the vertex and with such a presentation, the vast majority of women progress well in labour and have a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Any presentations other than vertex can lead to difficulties in labour and hence are called as malpresentations. Malpresentations of fetal head occur due to extension of the fetal head causing brow or face to present during labour. Malpositions of fetal head result when the occiput persists in a lateral or posterior position. Malpresentations and malpositions of fetal head are usually diagnosed in labour and are associated with difficult labour and increased risk of operative intervention. Regular systematic clinical examinations to monitor progress of labour and fetal wellbeing are necessary once fetal malpresentations or malpositions are diagnosed. Although vaginal delivery is possible in many cases, caesarean section becomes necessary when the malposition or malpresentation persists and labour fails to progress.
ISSN:1751-7214
1879-3622
DOI:10.1016/j.ogrm.2018.01.001