Page 37 - 33Elctronic Book (3) Normal Labor
P. 37
Vertex The top of the fetal skull between
the two fontanels
4. Which of the following statements is false? In each case, say why it is
incorrect.
A The female bony pelvis is broader and flatter than the male pelvis.
B The pelvic inlet is narrower than the pelvic outlet.
C The iliac crest is an important landmark in measuring the progress of the fetus
down the birth canal.
D The sutures in the fetal skull are strong hard joints that hold the skull bones rigidly
in place.
E A newborn baby’s pulse can be seen beating in the anterior fontanel.
Answer
A is true. The female bony pelvis is broader and flatter than the male pelvis.
B is false. The pelvic inlet is wider (not narrower) than the pelvic outlet.
C is false. The iliac crest is the protuberance at the front of each hip bone; it is not
important in measuring the progress of the fetus down the birth canal.
D is false. The sutures in the fetal skull ‘give’ a little under the pressure in the birth
canal, allowing the skull bones to move to a small extent. This makes it easier for the
baby’s head to pass through the mother’s bony pelvis.
E is true. A newborn baby’s pulse can be seen beating in the anterior fontanel.
5. List four possible features of the maternal bony pelvis and/or the fetal skull that
may result in a difficult labor and delivery.
Answer
The possible features of the maternal bony pelvis and/or the fetal skull that may result
in a difficult labor and delivery include (you only had to suggest four):
- A narrow or deformed pelvis
- Abnormal growth of tissue in the pelvic cavity
- A large fetal skull
- A brow, face, breech or shoulder presentation of the fetus
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