Curriculum of Obstetrics
TOPIC 27
OCCIPITOPOSTERIOR POSITION
RATIONALE
Most often, fetuses in the occipito-posterior position undergo spontaneous anterior rotation followed by uncomplicated delivery. Failure of spontaneous anterior rotation can occur, and these cases need instrumental delivery or cesarean section. Accordingly, the knowledge and skills of the graduates should be updated so that they are able to diagnose and manage the complicated cases.
GOALS
l Recognize the causes, diagnosis, and management of occipito-posterior position
l Ensure that graduates can competently diagnose and manage the occipito-posterior position in order to reduce maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
l Define occipito-posterior position
l List the causes of occipito-posterior position
l List the causes of failure of spontaneous anterior rotation
l State the complications that may be associated with occipito-posterior position
l Describe how to diagnose occipito-posterior position
l List the different ways of managing occipito-posterior position
CONTENT
l Definition of occipito-posterior position
l Causes of occipito-posterior position
l Mechanism of labor of occipito-posterior position
l Diagnosis of occipito-posterior position
l Management of occipito-posterior position
