LANDMARKS OF THE FETAL SKULL

NOTES IN MATERNAL AND CHILD NURSING
Reference: NURSE’S NOTES: MATERNAL and CHILD NURSING
Maritess Manalang-Quinto, RN

LANDMARKS OF THE FETAL SKULL
FETAL POSITIONS
OCCIPUT ANTERIOR
Usually the easiest position for the fetal head to traverse the maternal pelvis.
Shown here is the "direct OA" position. While some fetuses deliver in this position, others deliver slightly rotated clockwise (LOA) or counterclockwise (ROA). Either way, the fetus is still considered to be an "anterior" position.

RIGHT OCCIPUT ANTERIOR (ROA)
The fetal occiput is directed towards the mother's left, anterior side.

LEFT OCCIPUT ANTERIOR
normal and usually are the easiest way for the fetus to traverse the birth canal.

LEFT OCCIPUT TRANSVERSE
This LOT position and its' mirror image, ROT, are common in early labor.

RIGHT OCCIPUT TRANSVERSE

OCCIPUT POSTERIOR
Occiput posterior positions, including direct OP, LOP (Left Occiput Posterior) and
ROP (Right Occiput Posterior) are positions favored by certain internal pelvic shapes. This position has some obstetrical significance.

LEFT OCCIPUT POSTERIOR

RIGHT OCCIPUT POSTERIOR

RIGHT SACRUM POSTERIOR