Journey through the Birth canal – Stage 2 labor

Six phases:
1.Engagement of the fetal head in the transverse position. The baby’s head is facing across the pelvis at one or other of the mother’s hips.
2.Descent and flexion of the fetal head.
3.Internal rotation. The fetal head rotates 90 degrees to the occipito-anterior position so that the baby’s face is towards the mother’s rectum.
4.Delivery by extension. The fetal head passes out of the birth canal. Its head is tilted forwards so that the crown of its head leads the way through the vagina.
5.Restitution. The fetal head turns through 45 degrees to restore its normal relationship with the shoulders, which are still at an angle.
6.External rotation. The shoulders repeat the corkscrew movements of the head, which can be seen in the final movements of the fetal head.

 

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