Position (obstetrics)


In obstetrics, position is the orientation of the fetus in the womb, identified by the location of the presenting part of the fetus relative to the pelvis of the mother. Conventionally, it is the position assumed by the fetus before the process of birth, as the fetus assumes various positions and postures during the course of childbirth.

Positions

Depending upon which part of the fetus is expected to be delivered first, there are many possible positions:
NameAbb.Description
Left occipitoanteriorLOAocciput, as against the buttocks, is close to the vagina faces anteriorly and towards left. This is the most common position and lie.
Right occipitoanteriorROAocciput faces anteriorly and towards right. Less common than LOA, but not associated with labor complications.
Left occipitoposteriorocciput faces posteriorly and towards left.
Right occipitoposteriorROPocciput faces posteriorly and towards right.
Occipitoanteriorocciput faces anteriorly
Occipitoposteriorocciput faces posteriorly
Left occipitotransverseLOTocciput faces left
Right occipitotransverseROTocciput faces right

  1. Left sacrum anterior —the buttocks, as against the occiput of the vertex presentation, like close to the vagina, which lie anteriorly and towards the left.
  2. Right sacrum anterior —the buttocks face anteriorly and towards the right.
  3. Left sacrum posterior —the buttocks face posteriorly and towards the left.
  4. Right sacrum posterior —the buttocks face posteriorly and towards right.
  5. Sacrum anterior —the buttocks face anteriorly.
  6. Sacrum posterior —the buttocks face posteriorly.
  1. Left scapula-anterior
  2. Right scapula-anterior
  3. Left scapula-posterior
  4. Right scapula-posterior