Effacement, Station, and presenting part of the cervix are all related terms. Let’s look at a few examples to help you understand what these terms mean. For example, fetal station, Effacement of the cervix, and Position of presenting part in relation to ischial spines. If you don’t know these terms, check out Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary.
Effacement
Effacement at station is one of the key factors in determining the progress of labor. The cervix can be a good predictor of a woman’s labor, since it shows how far her baby has come in the early stages of the process. Doctors can use this measure to plan an epidural, prepare for a C-section, or determine the baby’s station. Effacement at station is measured in centimeters.
The leading bony point of the fetal head has been used to define the station. It is measured in centimeters and relates to the texture of the cervix. If the cervix is firm and feels hard, it is at station. However, if the cervix is soft and spongy, it has not reached the station yet. Therefore, this measurement should be interpreted carefully.
Fetal station
If your cervix is dilated by 4 cm or thicker, your baby has reached fetal station. At that point, you should prepare yourself for the birth of your baby. Taking measurements is quick and painless. But, if you are concerned, your doctor may perform instruments to promote delivery or recommend cesarean section. Fetal station measurements can vary from doctor to doctor and can be a useful tool to monitor the progress of labour.
The foetal station is the relationship between a baby’s presenting part and the ischial spines. A baby’s head is considered to be in a 0 station when it is the lowest part of its skull. However, it is also possible for the baby’s buttocks, feet, and shoulder to present. The height of the presenting part of the baby’s head should be measured above the ischial spines.
Effacement of cervix
Effacement of cervix occurs when the cervix does not open all the way to the uterus. It is also referred to as cervical dilation. Effacement is measured in percentages, from zero to 100. Effacement of cervix at station is also referred to as dilation. Effacement is the most common complication of pregnancy and should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
The cervix starts out about three to four centimeters thick and will gradually thin out during the pregnancy as the fetus pushes down on it. This thinning is measured by percentage of effacement, with fifty percent effacement meaning that the cervix has thinned half-way. At 100 percent effacement, the cervix is completely paper-thin.
Position of presenting part in relation to ischial spines
The fetal station is the position of the presenting part of a fetus with respect to the ischial spines. It is measured in centimeters and is indicated by a positive or negative number. The lowest part of a baby’s skull is considered engaged when it is located at the level of the ischial spines. A baby’s head’s largest diameter can reach the pelvic brim and be located at the station of the BPD (BPD). The presenting part must lie within the range of the spines in order to pass through the birth canal.
The fetal part’s position in relation to the ischial spines is important to the labor process. The occiput, also known as the vertex, is found over the pelvic inlet. The fetal posture, including extension or flexion of the head, will determine the presenting part. For a woman, it can be a bit uncomfortable to be pushed down on the ischial spines.
Medicated births
Medicated births at the station can be a great choice for mothers who want to be off the clock during labor. A mother who takes medication will not feel contractions or the pressure of the baby descending. In addition, she will not be able to recognize signs of labor and fetal distress that could prompt her to push. This can be an unavoidable outcome for some women. But the benefits of medicated births at the station are also worth considering.