Lies Longitudinal Cephalic Presentation
Scanning Method:
The probe is moved on the mother’s abdomen surface longitudinally and transversely in turn, to find the relationship between the fetal long axis and the mother’s long axis. When the fetal long axis is in the same direction as the mother’s, the fetus is in a longitudinal lie. In cephalic presentation, the fetal head lies toward the mother’s foot side.
Lies Longitudinal Cephalic Presentation of Fetus:
Section Structure:
- AF – Amniotic Fluid
- LEG – Leg
- FB – Fetal Body
- FH – Fetal Head
Clinical Application Value:
Determination of fetal lie is helpful in fetal morphological examination and obstetrical management.
Cephalic Presentation
Types of Cephalic Presentation:
- ROA – Right Occiput Anterior
- ROT – Right Occiput Transverse
- ROP – Right Occiput Posterior
- RMP – Right Mentum Posterior
- RMA – Right Mentum Anterior
- LOA – Left Occiput Anterior
- LOT – Left Occiput Transverse
- LOP – Left Occiput Posterior
- LMP – Left Mentum Posterior
- LMA – Left Mentum Anterior
Cephalic – Right Occiput Anterior (ROA)
In ROA presentation, the middle line of the thalamus section is deflected slightly upward to the right. The fetal occipital bone points toward the right anterior side of the mother.
- OC – Occipital Bone
- RLCV – Right Lateral Cerebral Ventricle
- CSP – Cavum Septum Pellucidum
- Frontal Bone
- T – Thalamus
Cephalic – Right Occiput Transverse (ROT)
Also known as Right Occiput Lateral, this position often involves a slightly extended fetal spine. The baby’s back is on the mother’s right, and the occiput points laterally. Often a transitional position before rotating anteriorly.
Cephalic – Right Occiput Posterior (ROP)
In ROP, the fetal occiput is directed toward the right and posterior pelvis. The fetal back lies posteriorly, and this position may lead to longer labor due to the malalignment of the fetal head with the birth canal.
Cephalic – Right Mentum Posterior (RMP)
This is a face presentation with the chin pointing toward the maternal right and posterior pelvis. The fetal head is hyperextended, and vaginal delivery is usually not possible unless the chin rotates anteriorly.
Cephalic – Right Mentum Anterior (RMA)
In RMA, the fetal chin is directed to the mother's right anterior quadrant. The hyperextended face presents first. If no cephalopelvic disproportion exists, vaginal delivery may be possible.
Cephalic – Left Occiput Anterior (LOA)
LOA is considered the optimal position for vaginal delivery. The thalamus section tilts slightly to the left, and the occiput is directed toward the left anterior pelvis. The fetal back is on the mother’s left.
- SP – Septum Pellucidum
- Frontal Bone
- OC – Occipital Bone
- LLCV – Left Lateral Cerebral Ventricle
- T – Thalamus
Cephalic – Left Occiput Transverse (LOT)
In LOT, the occiput is directed to the maternal left side in a transverse alignment. This is often a transitional position before rotating to LOA. The fetal spine usually lies on the maternal left side.
Cephalic – Left Occiput Posterior (LOP)
The occiput is pointed toward the mother’s left posterior pelvis. The fetal back is posterior and left-sided. Similar to ROP, this position may lead to prolonged or obstructed labor.
Cephalic – Left Mentum Posterior (LMP)
In LMP, the fetal face presents with the chin directed toward the left posterior pelvis. Due to the hyperextension and malpositioning, cesarean section is typically recommended.
Cephalic – Left Mentum Anterior (LMA)
This is a face presentation with the chin facing the maternal left anterior quadrant. The hyperextended head allows the face to present first. Vaginal delivery may be possible if labor progresses favorably.
Lies Longitudinal – Breech Presentation
Scanning Method:
The probe is moved on the mother’s abdominal surface both longitudinally and transversely to determine the relationship between the fetal long axis and the mother’s long axis. When both axes align, the fetus is said to be in a longitudinal lie. In breech presentation, the fetal head lies toward the mother's head side.
Lies Longitudinal Breech Presentation of Fetus
Section Structure:
- FH - Fetal Head
- AF - Amniotic Fluid
- FB - Fetal Body
The Clinical Application Value:
Determining the fetal lie is essential for accurate fetal morphological examination and obstetric management decisions.
Types of Breech Presentation
- Complete Breech Position
- Flank Breech
- Incomplete Breech (Single Footing)
- Double Footing
- RSA – Right Sacrum Anterior
- LSP – Left Sacrum Posterior
Complete Breech Position
In this position, the fetus has its hips and knees flexed. Both buttocks and feet are presenting together at the birth canal. It is the most favorable of all breech types for vaginal delivery.
Flank Breech
Also referred to as an oblique breech, in which the fetal body lies diagonally, with the breech not directly over the cervix. The presentation can shift easily to another type with fetal movement or uterine contraction.
Incomplete Breech (Single Footing)
In this presentation, one of the fetal hips is flexed and the other extended, so that one foot presents at the birth canal along with the buttocks.
Double Footing
Both fetal hips and knees are extended, with both feet presenting below the buttocks, often seen in preterm pregnancies or uterine anomalies.
Breech – Right Sacrum Anterior (RSA)
In this breech presentation, the fetal sacrum (buttocks) is located in the right anterior quadrant of the maternal pelvis. The bitrochanteric diameter aligns with the right oblique diameter of the maternal pelvis.
Breech – Right Sacrum Posterior (RSP)
Here, the fetal back faces the mother's back, and the sacrum is directed toward the posterior quadrant of the maternal pelvis. This position is less favorable for vaginal delivery.
Breech – Left Sacrum Anterior (LSA)
In LSA position, the fetal sacrum lies in the left anterior quadrant of the maternal pelvis, with the fetal back directed toward the mother’s left front side.
Breech – Left Sacrum Posterior (LSP)
The fetal sacrum is positioned in the left posterior quadrant of the pelvis. This breech type is similar to RSP and may complicate vaginal delivery.
Fetal Position: LOA
Left Occipitoanterior (LOA) Position of Fetus
1. Scanning Method:
To assess fetal position, the mother lies in a supine or semi-recumbent position. A transabdominal probe is placed on the abdomen and moved in both longitudinal and transverse directions. In the LOA position, the fetal occiput (back of the head) is directed toward the mother’s left anterior pelvis. This implies a cephalic (head-down) presentation with the fetal back curved along the maternal left side. LOA is considered the most favorable fetal position for vaginal delivery.
2. Section Structure:
- FH – Fetal Head: Head-down, positioned near the lower uterine segment on the maternal left side.
- FB – Fetal Body: Body curves along the maternal left anterior quadrant.
- Sp – Fetal Spine: Spine visualized along the maternal left side, anteriorly placed.
- AF – Amniotic Fluid: Anechoic fluid surrounding the fetus, ensuring cushioning and mobility.
3. Measuring Method:
Standard biometric parameters like Biparietal Diameter (BPD) and Head Circumference (HC) are measured in transverse axial planes. Measurements are taken intima-to-intima (inner edge to inner edge) to ensure consistency. The ultrasound transducer must be perpendicular to the fetal skull plane, avoiding oblique angles, and capturing symmetrical structures. This technique ensures accurate assessment of gestational age and fetal growth.
4. Clinical Application Value:
The LOA position is clinically significant as it is the most favorable position for labor and delivery. This alignment facilitates smoother descent through the birth canal, reducing the need for operative interventions. Recognition of LOA in antenatal scans assists obstetricians in labor planning and counseling. It also supports better prediction of labor progression, fetal outcomes, and delivery mode.
Fetal Position: ROA
Right Occipitoanterior (ROA) Position of Fetus –3.34
1. Scanning Method:
The subject is positioned in a supine or semi-recumbent position. A transabdominal probe is applied using gel on the abdomen to allow proper visualization. The probe is moved systematically in both longitudinal and transverse planes to locate the fetal head. In ROA, the fetal occiput is directed toward the mother’s right anterior pelvis. This position implies a cephalic presentation with the fetal back curved along the maternal right side.
2. Section Structure:
- FH – Fetal Head: Presenting part, located near the maternal pelvis, head-down on the right side.
- FB – Fetal Body: Curved along the maternal right anterior quadrant.
- Sp – Fetal Spine: Spine appears anteriorly on the right side of the maternal abdomen.
- AF – Amniotic Fluid: Appears anechoic and surrounds the fetus, especially noted in posterior areas.
3. Measuring Method:
Biometric parameters such as Biparietal Diameter (BPD), Head Circumference (HC), Abdominal Circumference (AC), and Femur Length (FL) are measured. For BPD and HC, the transducer is aligned perpendicular to the axial plane of the fetal head, ensuring symmetry of landmarks. Measurements are taken intima-to-intima, which means from the inner edge of one side to the inner edge of the opposite structure, to maintain standardization and accuracy.
4. Clinical Application Value:
The ROA position is a favorable cephalic presentation for spontaneous vaginal delivery. It allows efficient engagement of the fetal head in the pelvis and promotes a natural rotation during labor. Recognizing ROA helps clinicians prepare for a likely normal labor course, reducing the chances of operative delivery. ROA also helps in predicting fetal attitude and delivery progression, offering reassurance in prenatal counseling.