What are the causes of abnormal fetal position?

Dec 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Abnormal fetal position may be caused by excessive fetal activity, abdominal wall relaxation, fetal malformations, placenta previa, uterine hypoplasia, or other similar factors. It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid excessive weight gain, engage in appropriate exercise to strengthen the abdominal muscles, and closely monitor physical changes to promptly identify and address potential factors that may affect fetal positioning.

In general, abnormal fetal position may be caused by excessive fetal movement, abdominal wall laxity, fetal malformations, placenta previa, uterine developmental abnormalities, and other factors. If the above situations occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Excessive fetal movement

This commonly occurs in cases of polyhydramnios or maternal obesity, which lead to a relatively enlarged uterine cavity and increased fetal mobility, making abnormal fetal position more likely. Regular prenatal checkups and monitoring of amniotic fluid volume are recommended in daily life.

2. Abdominal wall laxity

Multiple pregnancies, obesity, or aging may cause relaxation of the abdominal muscles, weakening their support for the uterus, which allows the fetus to shift positions and results in abnormal presentation. Extra support using an abdominal support belt may be needed during daily life.

3. Fetal malformations

Developmental abnormalities of the fetus itself, such as hydrocephalus or spina bifida, can lead to uneven weight distribution or excessive fetal size, thereby causing the aforementioned symptoms. This may be accompanied by abnormal abdominal distension and decreased fetal movement. Treatment may involve surgical intervention under a physician's guidance or decisions regarding continuation of the pregnancy based on personal preference.

4. Placenta previa

This condition can be triggered by a history of cesarean section or endometritis. In placenta previa, the placenta attaches to the lower segment of the uterus, with its edge reaching or covering the internal cervical os, obstructing descent of the fetal head and ultimately causing abnormal fetal position. It may be accompanied by painless vaginal bleeding, anemia, and other symptoms. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, tranexamic acid injection, and ritodrine hydrochloride injection for treatment.

5. Uterine developmental abnormalities

Congenital uterine abnormalities, such as septate uterus or unicornuate uterus, can lead to abnormal uterine cavity morphology, which affects fetal positioning and results in abnormal presentation. This may be accompanied by infertility, miscarriage, and other symptoms. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as estradiol valerate tablets, clomiphene citrate tablets, and medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets for treatment.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important during pregnancy, including avoiding excessive weight gain, engaging in moderate exercise to strengthen the abdominal muscles, and closely monitoring physical changes to promptly identify and manage potential hidden factors that may affect fetal position.

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What does the fetal position LOA mean?

LOA fetal position refers to a cephalic presentation where "L" indicates the fetal occiput is located on the left side of the maternal pelvis, "O" denotes the presenting part of the fetus is the occiput, and "A" means the occiput is positioned anteriorly within the pelvis. Therefore, LOA stands for Left Occiput Anterior position, a common fetal position that is generally favorable for spontaneous vaginal delivery.

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What does the fetal position ROT mean?

Fetal position refers to the relationship between the presenting part of the fetus and the mother's pelvis. In the ROT position, "R" stands for right, "O" for occiput, and "T" for transverse, meaning the fetal occiput is located at the right transverse position of the maternal pelvis. Right occiput transverse is a relatively common fetal position during labor. The ideal position for normal vaginal delivery is the occiput anterior position, where the fetal occiput is situated at the anterior portion of the maternal pelvis.

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Can patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a vaginal delivery?

In general, whether a patient with ankylosing spondylitis can have a vaginal delivery needs to be determined based on the control of her condition. If the condition has remained stable for a prolonged period without severe spinal deformities, hip joint lesions, or other complications, and if the fetal position is normal and the maternal pelvic conditions meet the required criteria, vaginal delivery may usually be considered appropriate. However, if the condition is severe, with significant spinal rigidity and deformity, limited hip joint mobility, or if there are fetal abnormalities, vaginal delivery may not be suitable.

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What are the causes of bowed legs in newborns during the embryonic period?

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of bowed legs in newborns during the embryonic period include fetal positioning pressure in the uterus, differences in the rhythm of bone development, congenital tibial bowing, congenital hip dysplasia, and vitamin D deficiency rickets. If related abnormalities are detected, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation and examination at a reputable hospital. A detailed analysis is as follows: