INTRAPARTUM SONOGRAPHIC FETAL OCCIPUT-SPINE ANGLE PREDICTION FOR PROGRESSION OF FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:The occiput-spine angle (OSA) is the angle formed by the junction of two lines, one tangential to the fetal cervical spine and the other to the occiput of the fetus, measured using intrapartum transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) during the active phase of the first stage of labour. The OSA measures the extent of fetal head flexion quantitatively in occiput transverse or occiput anterior fetal position. A narrow OSA is supposed to be a sign of fetal head deflexion and hence prolonged labour. A narrow chin to chest angle and a wide OSA are observed in the incidence of vaginal deliveries. Therefore, the benefit of this examination is to help obstetricians make objective and better decisions to predict labour dystocia and manage it properly. In our study, we aimed to objectively correlate the OSA and the labour progression. AIM OF THE WORK:The aim of this study is to assess the predictivity of the fetal occiput-spine angle using intrapartum sonography for the first stage of labour progression, with the ultimate goal to confirm the abnormal labour progression.