Posterior shoulder
Encyclopedia
Posterior shoulder in obstetrics
refers to the shoulder of the fetus
other than the anterior shoulder
. Thus, the posterior shoulder faces the rectum
of the mother during delivery. Whether left or the right shoulder becomes the posterior shoulder is dependent upon the original position
of the fetus. It is known as the posterior shoulder as it faces the posterior of the mother. This distinction between the anterior and the posterior shoulder is important as the anterior shoulder is delivered first.
Obstetrics
Obstetrics is the medical specialty dealing with the care of all women's reproductive tracts and their children during pregnancy , childbirth and the postnatal period...
refers to the shoulder of the fetus
Fetus
A fetus is a developing mammal or other viviparous vertebrate after the embryonic stage and before birth.In humans, the fetal stage of prenatal development starts at the beginning of the 11th week in gestational age, which is the 9th week after fertilization.-Etymology and spelling variations:The...
other than the anterior shoulder
Anterior shoulder
Anterior shoulder in obstetrics refers to that shoulder of the fetus that faces the pubic symphysis of the mother during delivery. Depending upon the original position of the fetus, either the left or the right shoulder can be the anterior shoulder. It is known as the anterior shoulder as it faces...
. Thus, the posterior shoulder faces the rectum
Rectum
The rectum is the final straight portion of the large intestine in some mammals, and the gut in others, terminating in the anus. The human rectum is about 12 cm long...
of the mother during delivery. Whether left or the right shoulder becomes the posterior shoulder is dependent upon the original position
Position (Obstetrics)
In obstetrics, position is the orientation of the fetus in the womb, identified by the location of the presenting part of the fetus relative to the pelvis of the mother...
of the fetus. It is known as the posterior shoulder as it faces the posterior of the mother. This distinction between the anterior and the posterior shoulder is important as the anterior shoulder is delivered first.
See also
- Anterior shoulderAnterior shoulderAnterior shoulder in obstetrics refers to that shoulder of the fetus that faces the pubic symphysis of the mother during delivery. Depending upon the original position of the fetus, either the left or the right shoulder can be the anterior shoulder. It is known as the anterior shoulder as it faces...
- Fetal relationship
- Mechanism of vaginal birth
- Shoulder dystociaShoulder dystociaShoulder dystocia is a specific case of dystocia whereby after the delivery of the head, the anterior shoulder of the infant cannot pass below the pubic symphysis, or requires significant manipulation to pass below the pubic symphysis. It is diagnosed when the shoulders fail to deliver shortly...