Asynclitic birth

A type of childbirth where the baby's head is tilted to the side

Asynclitic birth is a term used in obstetrics to describe a situation during childbirth where the fetal head is tilted to the side, causing the sagittal suture to be misaligned with the pelvic inlet. This can affect the progress of labor and may require medical intervention.

Overview

During a typical labor, the fetal head is expected to engage in the pelvis in a position where the sagittal suture is aligned with the pelvic inlet. In an asynclitic birth, the head is tilted, causing the sagittal suture to be closer to either the pubic symphysis or the sacrum. This misalignment can lead to difficulties in the descent of the fetal head through the birth canal.

Causes

Asynclitic birth can be caused by several factors, including:

• Pelvic shape: Variations in the shape of the maternal pelvis can contribute to asynclitism.
• Fetal position: The position of the fetus in the uterus can affect the alignment of the head.
• Uterine contractions: The strength and pattern of contractions can influence the position of the fetal head.

Diagnosis

Asynclitic birth is typically diagnosed during a vaginal examination by a healthcare provider. The examiner may feel the sagittal suture closer to one side of the pelvis, indicating a tilted head. Ultrasound imaging can also be used to assess the position of the fetal head.

Management

Management of asynclitic birth depends on the severity of the tilt and the progress of labor. Options include:

• Maternal positioning: Changing the position of the mother, such as using a hands-and-knees position, can help realign the fetal head.
• Manual rotation: A healthcare provider may attempt to manually rotate the fetal head to a more favorable position.
• Operative delivery: In some cases, an assisted delivery using forceps or vacuum extraction may be necessary. If these methods are unsuccessful, a cesarean section may be required.

Complications

Asynclitic birth can lead to prolonged labor, increased maternal fatigue, and a higher likelihood of operative delivery. It may also increase the risk of fetal distress and birth trauma.

Prognosis

With appropriate management, most cases of asynclitic birth can be resolved successfully, resulting in a healthy outcome for both mother and baby. Early recognition and intervention are key to minimizing complications.

Related pages

• Childbirth
• Labor (obstetrics)
• Fetal position
• Pelvic inlet
• Cesarean section