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