Cardinal Movements of Labor
Expulsion
The anterior then posterior shoulder is delivered, then the body delivers easily
Engagement
-When fetal head reaches ischial spine (0 station/pelvic inlet) -Occur in late pregnancy or early labor
Flexion
-Fetal chin touches chest -Occurs in early labor
Descent
-Fetus moves past ischial spines through birth canal -Occur throughout labor--1st & 2nd stages
List the 7 cardinal movements of labor in order.
1.) Engagement 2.) Descent 3.) Flexion 4.)Internal rotation 5.) Extension 6.) External rotation 7.) Expulsion
Internal Rotation
Allows the longest diameter of the fetal head (A-P) to conform to the longest diameter of the maternal pelvis
Extension
Fetal chin comes off of the chest and the neck arches as the head is born--face is now toward rectum
External Rotation
Fetal head turns to realign with the body in order to fit through the pelvis