Definition Of Unstable Lie

Unstable lie doesn t sound very good or reassuring but actually just means that the baby is changing his or her position which is what all babies do in the womb.

Definition of unstable lie. Click here you have 3 open access pages. The chapter discusses causes of abnormal lie at term diagnosis and management. A baby in an unstable lie will continue to move vertically and horizontally. Multiparae with a lax uterus and abdominal wall.

External cephalic or even podalic version. It is not a sinister sign in the grand multip the uterus is relatively flaccid and able to accommodate a lot of movement of the fetus. Tumours of the neck or sacrum hydrocephaly abdominal distension distended maternal urinary bladder. A healthy uterus is able to accommodate an unstable lie as even in the late stages of pregnancy it can still stretch.

Unstable lie of the fetus contributing factors high parity pendulous abdomen placenta praevia polyhydramnios pelvic inlet contracture and or fetal macrosomia uterine abnormalities e g. Bicornuate uterus or uterine fibroids. In the final weeks of pregnancy about 97 percent of babies will orient themselves into the head down position in preparation for birth. Oblique orientation of the fetus that is neither transverse nor longitudinal but that converts to one or the other before or during labor.

Free subscriptions for doctors and students. If it persists as unstable or becomes transverse or oblique lie after 37 weeks it can significantly impact the labour and delivery process.