Which of the following indicates relationship of long axis of the foetus to that of mother? (Solved MCQ)

Which of the following indicates relationship of long axis of the foetus to that of mother?

A. Foetal attitude
B. Foetal presentation
C. Foetal position
D. Foetal lie

Correct Answer: D. Foetal lie

Explanation

The relationship of the long axis of the foetus to the long axis of the mother is called fetal lie.

Explanation:

• Lie describes how the foetus is oriented inside the uterus in relation to the mother’s spine.
• It is determined by comparing the long axis of the foetus with the long axis of the mother.

Types of fetal lie:

1. Longitudinal lie – foetal spine is parallel to mother’s spine (most common)
2. Transverse lie – foetal spine is at right angles to mother’s spine
3. Oblique lie – foetal spine is at an angle between longitudinal and transverse

Correct answer:

✅ Lie

Other Options Details

Here are the descriptions of all the options in clear obstetric terms:

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A. Foetal attitude

• Definition: The relationship of the various parts of the foetus to one another, especially the head and limbs in relation to the trunk.
• Normal attitude:Flexion
  • Head flexed (chin on chest)
  • Arms flexed across chest
  • Legs flexed at hips and knees
• Abnormal attitudes: Partial flexion, deflexion, or extension (seen in brow or face presentation).

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B. Foetal presentation

• Definition: The part of the foetus that occupies the lower pole of the uterus and first enters the pelvic brim.
• Common types:
  • Cephalic presentation – head presents (most common)
    • Vertex
    • Brow
    • Face
  • Breech presentation – buttocks present
  • Shoulder presentation – shoulder presents (in transverse lie)

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C. Foetal position

• Definition: The relationship of the denominator of the presenting part to the quadrants of the maternal pelvis.
• Examples:
  • Left occipito-anterior (LOA)
  • Right occipito-posterior (ROP)
  • Left sacro-anterior (LSA) in breech
• Most favourable position: Occipito-anterior (OA)

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D. Foetal lie

• Definition: The relationship of the long axis of the foetus to the long axis of the mother (uterus).
• Types of lie:
  • Longitudinal lie – foetus parallel to mother (normal)
  • Transverse lie – foetus lies across uterus
  • Oblique lie – foetus at an angle

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Summary Table

Term Meaning Foetal attitude Relation of foetal parts to each other Foetal presentation Part of foetus entering pelvis first Foetal position Direction of presenting part in pelvis Foetal lie Relation of foetal and maternal long axes

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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group