What does Malpresentation of fetus mean?

Definition: Presenting of the fetus to the lower pole of the uterus during childbirth in a position other than cephalic (head end of the body). Malpresentations strictly include breech and shoulder presentation (transverse lie), but can also incorporate face and brow presentations.

What will happen if the fetus is Malpresented in the uterus?

The common complications of malpresentation or malposition of the fetus at full term include: premature rupture of membranes, premature labour, prolonged/obstructed labour; ruptured uterus; postpartum haemorrhage; fetal and maternal distress which may lead to death.

What are the types of fetal malposition?

Types

• fetal malpresentations types include 1,3,4 breech – most common malpresentation; buttocks or feet of fetus are fetal presenting part.
• fetal malposition types include 2,3 occiput posterior – fetal occiput is oriented toward the posterior aspect of the maternal pelvis.

What is normal presentation of fetus?

Fetal Positions for Birth. Ideally for labor, the baby is positioned head-down, facing your back, with the chin tucked to its chest and the back of the head ready to enter the pelvis. This is called cephalic presentation. Most babies settle into this position with the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.

What is the most common Malpresentation?

Breech presentation is the most common malpresentation, with the majority discovered before labour. Breech presentation is much more common in premature labour. Approximately one third are diagnosed during labour when the fetus can be directly palpated through the cervix.

What is the most common fetal presentation?

In occiput posterior presentation (also called sunny-side up), the fetus is head first but is facing up (toward the mother’s abdomen). It is the most common abnormal position or presentation.

What is the most common fetal malposition?

Breech presentation

• Breech presentation is the most common malpresentation, with the majority discovered before labour.
• Approximately one third are diagnosed during labour when the fetus can be directly palpated through the cervix.

How do you know if your fetus is presentation?

The obstetrician should be able to determine the fetal lie, presentation, and position, using the maternal vertebral column and pelvis as reference points, by Leopold’s maneuvers, vaginal examination, and if necessary, ultrasound.

How can you tell if a fetus is lying?

Lie

1. Facing the patient’s head, place hands on either side of the top of the uterus and gently apply pressure.
2. Move the hands and palpate down the abdomen.
3. One side will feel fuller and firmer – this is the back. Fetal limbs may be palpable on the opposing side.

What is the difference between fetal malpresentation and malposition?

Fetal Malpresentation and Malposition: Diagnosis and Management Fetal malpresentation and fetal malposition are frequently interchanged; however, fetal malpresentation refers to a fetus with a fetal part other than the head engaging the maternal pelvis. Fetal malposition in labor includes occiput posterior and occiput transverse positions.

Can a baby be born with a malposition of the head?

Malpositions or malpresentations of the fetal head are usually diagnosed in labour and while in many cases vaginal delivery is possible, they are associated with a more difficult labour and increased operative interventions with attendant risks to both the mother and the baby.

Which is the most common presentation in a fetus?

The most common presentation is the vertex of the fetal head. If the vertex is not the presenting part, see Table S-12. If the vertex is the presenting part, use landmarks of the fetal skull to determine the position of the fetal head (Fig S-9).

How does malpresentation increase the risk of uterine rupture?

Malpresentations increase the risk for uterine rupture because of the potential for obstructed labour. The most common presentation is the vertex of the fetal head. If the vertex is not the presenting part, see Table S-12.