Cephalic version is a medical term used to describe a fetal position where the head is facing downwards during childbirth. The word is spelled as "sɛˈfælɪk vɜːʃən" in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "sɛ-" indicates that the "c" is pronounced as "s" and the stress falls on the second syllable "fæl". The "i" in "fælɪk" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, while the "vɜːʃ" sound represents the "version" part of the word. This term is important in obstetrics and gynecology as it determines the mode of delivery for the child.
Cephalic version is a medical term that refers to a procedure or technique used to reposition a fetus inside the uterus so that the head is oriented towards the birth canal. It is commonly employed when a fetus is in a breech or transverse position, meaning the head is not positioned downward in the pelvis as is typical for a vaginal delivery.
During a cephalic version, a healthcare provider, usually an obstetrician, applies gentle external pressure on the pregnant woman's abdomen to manually manipulate the position of the fetus. The aim is to encourage the baby to turn and align its head towards the birth canal. This procedure is most commonly performed between the 36th and 38th week of pregnancy when there is still adequate room for the fetus to move.
Cephalic version is typically conducted in a hospital setting, where the fetal heartbeat and uterine contractions can be monitored throughout the procedure. Pain medication or anesthesia may be administered to the pregnant woman to help minimize discomfort. If successful, cephalic version eliminates the need for a cesarean section and allows for a safer vaginal delivery. However, if the version is not successful or if the fetus returns to its original position, alternative delivery options may be explored.
It is important to note that cephalic version should only be performed by skilled healthcare professionals experienced in this procedure to minimize risks and ensure the safety of the mother and the fetus.
Is that in which the fetus is turned so that the head presents.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "cephalic version" is derived from two roots: "cephalic" and "version".
1. Cephalic: It comes from the Greek word "kephalē" (κεφαλή), meaning "head". In medical terminology, "cephalic" refers to something related to or located in the head region. It is commonly used to describe the position or orientation of the fetus inside the uterus. When the fetus is in a cephalic position, it means that the head is positioned to be delivered first during childbirth.
2. Version: It comes from the Latin word "vertere", which means "to turn". In medical terminology, "version" refers to the act of turning a baby inside the uterus into a different position.