Relationship of fetal head and limb to its trunk is called
A. lie
B. presentation
C. attitude
D. position
Correct Answer: C. attitude
Explanation
Relationship of fetal head and limbs to its trunk is called → Fetal attitude
Explanation:
- Fetal attitude refers to the posture of the fetus, i.e., the relationship of the head, limbs, and spine to one another.
- It describes how the fetal parts are arranged in relation to the trunk.
Normal fetal attitude:
- The fetus is usually in a general flexion posture:
- Head flexed on the chest
- Arms folded across the chest
- Thighs flexed over the abdomen
- Legs flexed at the knees
This flexed attitude makes the fetus more compact and facilitates passage through the birth canal.
Abnormal attitudes:
- Deflexion or extension of the head may lead to:
- Brow presentation
- Face presentation
Key point to remember:
- Lie → relation of fetal long axis to uterine long axis
- Presentation → part of fetus occupying the lower uterine segment
- Position → relation of presenting part to maternal pelvis
- Attitude → relationship of head and limbs to the trunk ✅
📌 Correct answer: Fetal attitude
Other Options Details
Here are the clear obstetrics definitions of all the options 👶📘:
A. Lie of the fetus
Definition:
Lie is the relationship of the long axis of the fetus to the long axis of the uterus.
Types of lie:
- Longitudinal lie – fetal long axis is parallel to uterine long axis (most common).
- Transverse lie – fetal long axis is at right angle to uterine axis.
- Oblique lie – fetal long axis is at an oblique angle.
B. Presentation of the fetus
Definition:
Presentation is the part of the fetus that occupies the lower pole of the uterus and presents first at the pelvic inlet.
Types of presentation:
- Cephalic presentation – head presents (vertex, face, brow).
- Breech presentation – buttocks present.
- Shoulder presentation – shoulder presents (seen in transverse lie).
C. Attitude of the fetus
Definition:
Attitude is the relationship of the fetal parts to one another, especially flexion or extension of the head and limbs.
Normal attitude:
✔ General flexion – head flexed, chin on chest, arms and legs flexed.
Abnormal attitude:
✖ Extension of head (leads to brow or face presentation).
D. Position of the fetus
Definition:
Position is the relationship of the denominator (reference point) of the presenting part to the quadrants of the maternal pelvis.
Examples:
- LOA – Left Occipito-Anterior (most favorable).
- ROP – Right Occipito-Posterior.
- LSA – Left Sacro-Anterior (breech).
Summary Table
Term Meaning Lie Axis of fetus vs uterus Presentation Presenting fetal part Attitude Posture of fetus Position Orientation of presenting part in pelvis
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanks!! 🙏 😊
Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group