OCCIPITOBREGMATIC Meaning and
Definition
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Occipitobregmatic is an anatomical term that refers to the position of a baby's head during childbirth. It describes the specific alignment of the occipital bone, located at the back of the skull, with the bregma, which is the anterior fontanelle or the soft spot at the top of an infant's head where the frontal and parietal bones meet.
When the baby is occipitobregmatic, the back of the skull is directly facing the mother's pubic bone during the second stage of labor. This position is considered the most ideal and commonly preferred for a vaginal delivery. It allows for smooth passage through the birth canal, minimizing complications and reducing the risk of injury to both the baby and the mother.
The occipitobregmatic alignment is important as it facilitates the natural process of childbirth. It allows the baby's head to descend gradually into the pelvis and rotate to fit through the narrowest part of the birth canal. This positioning is also advantageous for the mother, as it helps ensure a smoother and shorter labor.
Healthcare professionals routinely assess the position of the baby's head during prenatal check-ups and labor to determine if it is occipitobregmatic. In cases where the baby's head is not properly aligned, medical interventions may be necessary, such as repositioning techniques or surgical assistance, to avoid potential complications and ensure a safe delivery.
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Relating to the occiput and the bregma, noting a measurement in craniometry.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OCCIPITOBREGMATIC
Etymology of OCCIPITOBREGMATIC
The word "occipitobregmatic" is derived from three anatomical terms: occipital, bregma, and -ic.
1. Occipital: The term originates from the Latin word "occiput", meaning the back of the head or the occipital bone, which is located at the lower part of the back of the skull. The Latin term "occipitalis" refers to anything related to or belonging to the occiput.
2. Bregma: The term comes from the Greek word "brēgma", which means the junction or point of contact between two bones. In anatomy, it specifically refers to the point where the sagittal suture (a dense, fibrous joint) in the skull meets the coronal suture.
3. -ic: The suffix "-ic" is added to the end of the word to denote that it is an adjective form.
