malposition/malpresentation of the fetus

Introduction

Usually the fetal head engages in the occipito-anterior position & then undergoes a short rotation to be directly occipito-anterior in the mid-cavity.

Etiology

• predisposing factors:
  • prematurity
  • multiple pregnancy
  • uterus disorders
    • fibroids
    • partial septate uterus
  • abnormal fetus
• placenta praevia

Clinical manifestations

• breech presentation
• transverse lie
• occipito-posterior position
• occipito-transverse position
• face presentation
• brow presentation

Management

• C-section may be required

More general terms

• pregnancy disorder; obstetric disorder; pregnancy complication
• complications of the puerperium

More specific terms

• breech presentation
• vasa previa