Fetal head progression and regression on maternal pushing at term and labor outcome.

In nulliparous women at term before the onset of labor, narrower AoP at rest and at Valsalva, reflecting fetal head engagement, are associated with a higher risk of Cesarean delivery. Greater change of AoP from rest to Valsalva, reflecting more efficient maternal pushing, is associated with a shorter active second stage of labor. Fetal head regression with maternal pushing is present in about 15% of women and does not seem to have a clinical significance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.