03 Elizabeth Arnold-Leahy
Channel: Virtual Midwives
Date: 2023-05-10

Midwifery management of the fetus in the persistent occiput posterior position

Facilitator: Caitlin Goodwin

Persistent Occiput Posterior Position of the fetus is the most common variation or malposition during labor. Despite a midwife’s knowledge that 90% of Occiput Posterior fetuses will rotate to Occiput Anterior during the course of labor either spontaneously or with coaxing, we also know the abominable outcome statistics for birthers whose fetuses remain posterior. These births are associated with higher rates of operative intervention, as well as maternal and neonatal morbidity. 

Midwives have a variety of techniques to facilitate the rotation such as repositioning, exercises. The ultimate technique in the midwife’s tool bag is Manual Rotation which has been shown to increase rates of vaginal birth. Current global midwifery research on strategies and techniques, risks, benefits, alternatives, education and considerations, incidence for outcomes, sequelae, and community and hospital site considerations are reviewed. This presentation will discuss of various strategies to promote and facilitate rotation to Occiput Anterior will be presented