During the presentation attitude of the head will be
A. Partial extension
B. Deflexion
C. Complete extension
D. Flexion
Explanation
During (normal) vertex presentation, the attitude of the fetal head is flexion.
Explanation:
- Attitude refers to the relationship of the fetal head and limbs to its trunk.
- In a normal vertex presentation, the fetal chin is flexed onto the chest.
- This flexion allows the smallest diameter of the fetal head (suboccipito-bregmatic, ~9.5 cm) to present at the pelvic inlet.
- Flexion therefore facilitates easy passage through the birth canal.
Final Answer:
Flexion of the fetal head ✔️
Other Options Details
These terms describe attitude of the foetus—that is, the relation of the fetal head and limbs to the trunk, mainly based on degree of flexion or extension of the head.
A. Partial extension
- The fetal head is partly extended (neither fully flexed nor fully extended).
- Occurs when the chin is not fully tucked to the chest.
- This attitude leads to brow (sinciput) presentation.
- The presenting diameter is mento-vertical (≈13.5–14 cm), which is large and often causes difficult or obstructed labour.
B. Deflexion
- Deflexion means loss of normal flexion of the fetal head.
- The head is straightened slightly from the fully flexed position.
- Results in vertex presentation but with larger diameters (occipito-frontal instead of suboccipito-bregmatic).
- Labour may be prolonged but vaginal delivery is often possible.
C. Complete extension
- The fetal head is fully extended, with the occiput touching the back.
- The face becomes the presenting part.
- Leads to face presentation.
- The engaging diameter is submento-bregmatic (≈9.5 cm), and vaginal delivery is possible if the mentum is anterior.
D. Flexion
- The fetal head is fully flexed, with the chin touching the chest.
- This is the normal and most favourable attitude.
- Results in vertex presentation.
- The engaging diameter is suboccipito-bregmatic (≈9.5 cm), ideal for normal vaginal delivery.
Summary Table
Attitude Head position Presentation Flexion Fully flexed Vertex Deflexion Slightly extended Vertex (deflexed) Partial extension Moderately extended Brow Complete extension Fully extended Face
Correct Answer: C. Complete extension
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group