L&B/Adaptations fetus makes as it progresses through the birth canal

Question 1

Mechanism of labor: Adaptations the fetus makes as it progresses through the birth canal during the birthing process. (7) EDFIERE

Answer 1

1) Engagement
2) Descent
3) Flexion
4) Internal rotation
5) Extension
6) Restitution and external rotation
7) Expulsion

Question 2

1) Engagement

Answer 2

Engagement when presenting part , usually biparietal (largest) diameter of fetal head passes the pelvic inlet at the level of the ischial spines. Referred as station 0

Question 3

2) Descent

How is this measured

Answer 3

Descent progress of presenting part (preferably the occiput) through the pelvis.

Measured via vaginal exam, measure negative station if superior to 0 and not engaged or positive station if inferior to station

Question 4

3) Flexion

Answer 4

Flexion fetal head meets resistance of the cervix, pelvic wall or pelvic floor. The head flexes, bringing the chin close to the chest, presenting a smaller diameter to pass through the pelvis

Question 5

4) Internal Rotation

Answer 5

Internal Rotation- Fetal occiput ideally rotates to a lateral anterior position as it progresses from the ischial spines to the lower pelvis in a corkscrew motion to pass through the pelvis

Question 6

5) Extension

Answer 6

Extension: Fetal occiput passes under the symphysis pubis, and then the head is deflected anteriorly and is born by extension of the chin away from the fetal chest

Question 7

6) Restitution and external rotation

Answer 7

Restitution and external rotation- after the head is born, it rotates to the position it occupied as it entered the pelvic inlet (restitution) in alignment with the fetal body and completes a quarter turn to face transverse as the anterior shoulder passes under the symphysis

Question 8

7) Expulsion

Answer 8

Expulsion after birth of the head and shoulders, the trunk of the neonate is born by flexing it toward the symphysis

Question 9

How old is a Neonate?

Answer 9

A neonate is also called a newborn. The neonatal period – the first 4 weeks of a child’s life – represents a time when changes are very rapid, and many critical events can occur.

During the first 30 days, most present from birth (congenital) defects are discovered. Genetic abnormalities may show up. Infections, such as congenital herpes, Group B Streptococcus, toxoplasmosis, and other medical conditions become apparent in the neonatal period as they begin to have effects on the baby.
(MedlinePlus)