Investigation of Fetal Occiput Position by Intrapartum Ultrasonogram and Risk of Cesarean Section in Samutsakhon Hospital

Abstract

          Objective: To evaluate the fetal occiput posterior position in early stage of active labor by intrapartum ultrasonography and risk of cesarean section in fetal occiput posterior position.

          Material and Method: Between December 1, 2011 and July 31, 2012, 417 singleton pregnant women, GA 37-42 weeks with cephalic presentation who were in early active phase of labor at Samutsakhon Hospital were recruited. The fetal occiput position was determined by transabdominal ultrasonography. The occiput posterior was defined as case and non-occiput posterior defined as control. Perinatal outcomes and delivery methods were recorded. Mann-Whitney U test was applied for analysis.

          Results: The incidence of occiput posterior was 24.5%. The abnormal cervical dilatation, cesarean delivery, and newborn weight were statistically and significantly higher in the cases. 47.1% of the cases underwent cesarean section compared to 21.3% of the controls.

          Conclusion: Fetal occiput posterior presentation determined in early stage of active labor by ultrasonography was a significant independent risk of cesarean section.