The relation of the various parts of the foetus to one another is called:
A. Lie
B. Presentation of the foetus
C. Attitude of the foetus
D. Postion of the foetus
Correct Answer: C. Attitude of the foetus
Explanation
The relation of the various parts of the foetus to one another is called attitude of the foetus.
Explanation
- Attitude refers to how the fetal head, limbs, and trunk are positioned in relation to each other.
- In a normal pregnancy, the fetus shows general flexion:
- Head flexed → chin on chest
- Arms flexed across the chest
- Thighs flexed over the abdomen
- Legs flexed at the knees
Importance
- The fetal attitude determines which diameter of the fetal head presents at the pelvic inlet.
- Flexed attitude (normal) allows the smallest head diameter to present, making vaginal delivery easier.
- Deflexed attitude may result in brow or face presentation, which can complicate labor.
Key Point to Remember
- Attitude = relation of fetal parts to each other
- (Different from lie, presentation, and position)
✅ Correct answer: Attitude of the foetus
Other Options Details
Here are clear obstetrics explanations of each term. These concepts are commonly asked in exams and are closely related but not the same.
A. Lie of the foetus
Definition:
The lie is the relationship between the long axis of the foetus and the long axis of the mother (uterus).
Types of lie:
- Longitudinal lie – foetal spine is parallel to maternal spine (most common)
- Transverse lie – foetal spine is at right angles to maternal spine
- Oblique lie – foetal spine is at an oblique angle
Clinical importance:
- Only longitudinal lie is suitable for normal vaginal delivery.
B. Presentation of the foetus
Definition:
The presentation is the part of the foetus that occupies the lower pole of the uterus and presents at the pelvic inlet.
Types of presentation:
- Cephalic presentation – head presents
- Vertex (most common)
- Face
- Brow
- Breech presentation – buttocks or feet present
- Shoulder presentation – in transverse lie
Clinical importance:
- Vertex presentation is the safest for vaginal delivery.
C. Attitude of the foetus
Definition:
The attitude is the relationship of the foetal parts to one another, especially the degree of flexion or extension of the head and limbs.
Types of attitude:
- Flexion (normal attitude) – head flexed, chin on chest, limbs flexed
- Deflexion/extension – leads to brow or face presentation
Clinical importance:
- Good flexion reduces the diameter of the head, facilitating delivery.
D. Position of the foetus
Definition:
The position is the relationship of a denominator of the presenting part to the quadrants of the maternal pelvis.
Examples:
- LOA – Left Occipito-Anterior (most favourable)
- ROP – Right Occipito-Posterior
- RSA – Right Sacro-Anterior (breech)
- LMA – Left Mentum-Anterior (face presentation)
Clinical importance:
- Occipito-anterior positions are ideal for vaginal birth.
Summary Table
Term Meaning Lie Relation of foetal spine to maternal spine Presentation Part of foetus at pelvic inlet Attitude Relation of foetal parts to each other Position Relation of presenting part to maternal pelvis
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group