A 19-year-old primigravida at term has been completely dilated for 21/2 hours. The vertex is at 2 to 3 station, and the position is occiput posterior. She complains of exhaustion and is unable to push effectively to expel the fetus. She has an anthropoid pelvis. Which of the following is the most appropriate management to deliver the fetus?
- immediate low transverse cesarean section
- immediate classical cesarean section
- apply forceps and deliver the baby as an occiput posterior
- apply Kielland forceps to rotate the baby to occiput anterior
- cut a generous episiotomy to make her pushing more effective
Answer(s): C
Explanation:
The station of the vertex indicates that the fetal head is on the perineum. A cesarean section, either low transverse or classical, is inappropriate unless an operative vaginal delivery is unsuccessful. In women with an anthropoid pelvis, the transverse, interspinous diameter of the bony pelvis is narrow, and the anteroposterior diameter of the pelvis is relatively long. In this circumstance, a forceps rotation should not be done and delivery should be in the occiput posterior. The indication for forceps is maternal exhaustion; women with an anthropoid pelvis usually have a spontaneous vaginal delivery. In women with a gynecoid pelvis, the transverse and anteroposterior diameters are more equal, and rotation of the fetal head to occiput anterior would be an acceptable choice. Soft-tissue resistance to delivery is not great enough that an episiotomy will permit slight expulsive efforts by the mother to deliver the fetal head
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