What are the reasons for abnormal fetal position
Fetal malposition refers to the abnormal position of the fetus in the uterus, including malposition of the head, breech, transverse position, etc. There are many reasons for malposition of the fetus, including the following.
Maternal factors
On the one hand, pathological factors such as maternal pelvic deformity, congenital uterine development abnormalities, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammation may affect the position of the fetus in the uterus. For example, endometrial fibroids can cause deformation of the uterine cavity and cause abnormal fetal head position; for example, pelvic inflammation can cause adhesions between the uterus and appendages, making the fetus unable to move freely, and may cause various abnormal fetal positions.
On the other hand, physiological factors such as lax ligaments, multiple pregnancy, and premature birth may also lead to abnormal fetal position. For example, pregnant women with multiple fetuses are more likely to have malpositioned fetuses due to fierce competition for intrauterine space; premature babies are prone to move freely in the uterus due to imperfect fetal muscle and ligament development, which also increases the risk of malpositioned fetuses.
Fetal factors
Fetal factors are also an important factor affecting fetal position. For example, intrauterine dysplasia may cause the fetus to be unable to adjust its position; the size and shape of the fetus\’s head and buttocks can also affect its fetal position. In addition, factors such as frequent fetal activity and excessive weight before delivery can also lead to abnormal fetal position.
Medical operational factors
Pregnancy check-ups and medical procedures during delivery may also affect fetal position. For example, inaccurate prenatal fetal position assessment can lead to abnormal fetal position during delivery; some women need surgery during pregnancy for some reasons, and the impact of surgery on the health of the mother and baby may also lead to abnormal fetal position.
Drug factors
Some drugs used during pregnancy can also affect the position of the fetus. Long-term, high-dose use of drugs such as rabeprazole can affect gastric acid secretion and may lead to abnormal fetal head position. Therefore, medications during pregnancy should be used rationally according to medical advice to avoid affecting the health of the fetus.
How to deal with abnormal fetal position
Fetal malposition is a relatively common situation in clinical treatment. Doctors will develop different treatment methods for fetal malposition caused by different reasons. Here are some common processing methods.
Surgery
For certain fetal malpositions, such as breech presentation, transverse malposition, etc., surgery is often required to turn the fetus into a normal position. This type of surgery is best performed around the 20th week of pregnancy in order to adequately grasp the timing of the surgery. Some details need to be paid attention to during the operation to avoid affecting the health of the fetus.
Artificial membrane rupture
For fetuses with abnormal head position, artificial membrane rupture can sometimes be used to stimulate the fetus to descend and turn it into a normal position. Artificial rupture of membranes is relatively simple, stimulates the fetus\’s depressing response, and can quickly correct fetal malposition.
Successful transition to surgical delivery
If the malposition of the fetus is complex and cannot be solved through surgery and artificial rupture of membranes, the doctor may choose to convert the baby to surgical delivery. In this case, prenatal and delivery arrangements need to be made in advance to ensure the safety of mother and baby.
Conservative observation
For some fetal malpositions, such as cephalic transverse position in term pregnancy, breech transverse position in premature pregnancy, etc., if there is a possibility of natural conversion to normal fetal position, the doctor may choose to observe conservatively. In this case, doctors need to closely monitor the mother and baby and intervene at the appropriate time.
Summary
There are many reasons for abnormal fetal position, including maternal factors, fetal factors, medical operation factors, drug factors, etc. During clinical treatment, doctors will choose different treatment methods according to different situations, such as surgery, artificial rupture of membranes, assisted conversion to surgical delivery, conservative observation, etc. No matter what treatment method is used, it needs to be carried out on the premise of ensuring the safety of mother and baby. At the same time, health care and standardized medication during pregnancy are also important means to avoid abnormal fetal position.
