A pilot study using intra-partum ultrasound to aid in the definition of the position of the fetal head before operative delivery

• Published in: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Vol. 27; no. 6; pp. 568 - 570
• Main Authors: Udayasankar, V., Rajesh, U., Moselhi, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 01-08-2007; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Childbirth & labor; Feasibility Studies; Female; Head - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Labor Presentation; Labor Stage, Second; Labour; obstetrician; Obstetrics; Pilot Projects; Pregnancy; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; ultrasound; Women
• ISSN: 0144-3615; 1364-6893
• DOI: 10.1080/01443610701469750

Summary
We conducted a pilot study on 60 women in the second stage of labour using trans-abdominal ultrasound to assess fetal position prior to obstetric intervention. Digital examination failed to assess the correct fetal position in 16 (26%) of the cases. Ultrasound helped in determining fetal position in 57 (95%) of the cases. In 40 cases (66%), the obstetrician involved found the use of ultrasound to determine fetal position aided in the management of the second stage. All obstetricians involved in the study rated the ease of use of ultrasound in the second stage highly (>8 10) on a visual analogue scale. We have highlighted the role, ease of use and feasibility of intra-partum ultrasound to determine fetal position in the second stage of labour before an obstetric intervention, by the obstetrician in a District General Hospital setting.