cardinal movements of labour

Question 1

what are the cardinal movements of labour?

Answer 1

descent - engagement - flexion - internal rotation

extension - external rotation - expulsion

Question 2

describe descent in labour

Answer 2

descent: foetus moves to pelvic inlet; in OT position
degree of descent is the foetal station

foetal station is the relationship of the presenting part to the ischial spines

Question 3

describe engagement in labour

Answer 3

foetus moves from pelvic inlet (-5s) to ischial spines (s0)

Question 4

describe flexion in labour

Answer 4

chin to chest

Question 5

describe internal rotation in labour (following flexion)

Answer 5

foetal shoulders internally rotate 45deg so widest part of shoulders are in line w widest part of pelvic inlet. now OA

Question 6

what happens after internal rotation of shoulders in labour?

Answer 6

head passes pubic symphysis (s4) + extends + moves to s5 + emerges from vagina

Question 7

what happens after delivery of head?

Answer 7

restitution - head externally rotates so shoulders can pass through pelvic outlet + under pubic symphysis; foetus is now OT again

Question 8

what happens after restitution in labour?

Answer 8

expulsion - anterior shoulder slips under symphysis, then posterior shoulder + then rest of body