Fetal station indicates the position of the baby's head in the mother’s pelvis and indicates the progress of labor. This is represented by a number between -5 and +5. It is an imaginary line drawn between the two opposite bones of the pelvic arch (called ischial spines).
The baby is said to be in zero station when it reaches this imaginary line. The baby is in a minus station when it is above this imaginary line. The baby is in a plus station when it is below the imaginary line.
- Zero station: Indicates that the presenting part (usually the baby's head) is parallel to the spines.
- Negative value (-5 to -1): Indicates that the baby’s head is not engaged in the pelvis.
- Positive value (0 to +4): Indicates that the baby's head is moving down the pelvis, whereas a +5 indicates that the baby is crowning (being born).
It is common for a baby to be at -3, -2 or -1 during labor. Ideally, a mother should wait until the baby's head is engaged in the pelvis (at least 0) before pushing, but it is even better to wait until the baby is lower in the pelvis. This will shorten the mother's pushing time and reduce the likelihood of the birth canal swelling.
What is the Bishop score?
Fetal station is a component of the Bishop score, which assists doctors in determining whether induced labor, Cesarean delivery, or forceps delivery is required.
The Bishop score is used to determine the condition of the cervix and position of the baby in the pelvis. During a vaginal examination, the following factors are assessed to determine the total score:
- Cervical dilation: This is the measurement of the cervix opening. It is measured in centimeters ranging from 0-10.
- Cervical effacement: This is a measurement of the thinness and shortening of the cervix as it opens. It is measured as a percentage ranging from 0%-100%.
- Cervical consistency: This refers to the sensation of the cervix. A hard cervix, like the tip of the nose, indicates an unfavorable cervix. A softer cervix will feel like the bottom lip or the inside of the cheek.
- Cervical position: The cervix is usually high and facing back in a posterior position behind the baby's head before labor begins. As the body prepares for labor, the cervix lowers and moves more into a forward-facing anterior position.
- Fetal station: This is the measurement of the baby's position in relation to the pelvic ischial spines. The ischial spines are labeled "0," whereas the area above and below the spine is labeled "+" and "-."
SLIDESHOW
Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See SlideshowWhat do Bishop scores mean?
A high Bishop score indicates a greater possibility of successful induction of labor. A low Bishop score indicates a lower chance of successful induction of labor. A woman with a low score of 1 is unlikely to go into labor for at least 3 weeks. A woman with a score of 10 or higher is likely to go into labor within a few days.
Although the Bishop score was originally used to assess the likelihood of vaginal delivery in women who had previously given birth (multiparous), it is now also used to assess the likelihood of vaginal delivery in women who had never given birth (nulliparous) and are being considered for induction of labor.
- If the Bishop score is 8 or higher, there is a good chance of vaginal delivery, and the cervix is said to be favorable for induction.
- If the Bishop score is 6 or less, the chances of vaginal delivery are slim, and the cervix is considered unfavorable for induction.
What is the safest fetal position to deliver a baby?
The best position for the baby as they approach birth is occiput anterior (OA) or vertex presentation. The baby enters the pelvis with its head down and chin tucked and facing the mother's coccyx. In this position, the head is pointing to the birth canal. It has two presentations:
- Face and brow presentation: The baby will remain in the OA position, but their face, instead of their head, will be pointing toward the birth canal. This occurs when the chin is not tucked against the chest and points outward, this occurs. The doctor can detect this position during a vaginal examination by feeling the baby's bony jaws and mouth. The baby will be in the OA position with their forehead pointing toward the birth canal during brow presentation.
- Compound presentation: The baby is facing forward with one arm lying along the head and pointing toward the birth canal. The arms may slide back during the delivery process, but if they do not, special care must be taken to deliver the baby safely.
Queensland Clinical Guidelines. Induction of labour. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/641423/g-iol.pdf
Cleveland Clinic. Fetal Positions for Birth. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9677-fetal-positions-for-birth
Top What Does Minus 1 Mean in Labor Related Articles
Childbirth Class Options
Childbirth class options include the Lamaze technique, the Bradley Method, the Alexander Technique, and HypnoBirthing.
Labor Symptoms (Early Signs)
Every woman's experience with labor and delivery is unique for each woman, and thus "Normal" labor varies from woman to woman. Some of the common signs and symptoms of normal labor include the "baby dropping," increase urination, back pain, contractions, and diarrhea.
Exercise & Pregnancy
Pregnancy exercises and workouts for moms-to-be include Kegel exercises and prenatal yoga. A prenatal workout is an important part of healthy living. Try these safe exercises for pregnancy.
How Common Are Complications During Childbirth?
Labor or childbirth is a physiologic process during which the fetus, membranes, umbilical cord and placenta are expelled from the uterus. The most common complications during childbirth include preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, infections and uterine atony.
How Long Does Labor Last for First-Time Moms?
Labor is the process by which a baby is born. Labor for a first-time moms typically lasts for 12 to 18 hours.How Safe Is Breech Delivery?
The breech pregnancies are not dangerous until it’s time for the baby to be born. In the breech presentation, the baby’s feet or bottom is located at the opening of the uterus instead of the baby’s head. The head is the largest part of the baby that must fit through the birth canal.
How Soon Before Labor Do You Have Diarrhea?
Diarrhea may be a sign that your labor will start within 24-48 hours, but there are other more reliable signs that labor is approaching.
Labor and Delivery
Early and later symptoms and signs of labor and delivery are unique to each woman. Early signs of labor are "lightning" and passing the mucus plug. Later symptoms and signs that labor that labor is are the woman's water breaking, and when contractions begin. There are three stages of labor, stage 1 is the longest and occurs when the cervix begins to thin and dilate. During stage 2 of labor the baby passes through the birth canal and remains there until delivery, and stage 3, is when the baby is delivered.
Why Is Normal Delivery Not Possible After Cesarean Delivery?
A vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) is possible for many women, but it depends on many factors. Insisting on VBAC may put both you and your baby at risk; hence, you need to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this pregnancy myths and facts quiz to separate the myths and facts about being pregnant, and learn the truth behind healthy pregnancies!
Stages of Pregnancy: Week by Week
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
What Are the 4 Stages of Labor?
The 4 stages of labor are: dilation of the cervix, delivery of the baby, afterbirth, and recovery. Learn more about what to expect during each stage.What Causes a Breech Baby?
A breech position or breech baby means that the baby’s position inside the uterus is such that his feet or buttocks are near the uterine mouth. The baby generally has enough room inside the uterus to change its position. By 36 weeks of pregnancy, most babies are in the head-down position, which is the best and safest position for delivery.
What Does Labor and Giving Birth Feel Like?
There are three stages of labor you'll progress through during and after a vaginal delivery.Why Is Forceps Delivery Done?
Forceps delivery is a type of assisted delivery in which tong-shaped instruments are used to ease the baby out of the birth canal. These instruments are used to cradle the baby’s head in the vagina and turn the baby into a better position if needed so that they can be guided out.