SACROPOSTERIOR Meaning and
Definition
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Sacroposterior, also known as sacral posterior or sacrum posterior is a medical term used to describe the position or presentation of a fetus during childbirth. Specifically, it refers to the positioning of the baby's back (or sacrum) facing towards the mother's back.
In sacroposterior presentation, the baby's head is positioned downwards, towards the birth canal, but the back of the baby's head and back are facing the mother's spine. This is in contrast to the more common anterior presentation where the baby's face is towards the mother's spine. Sacroposterior position occurs in approximately 10-15% of all deliveries.
This positioning can sometimes lead to a more prolonged and difficult labor process. Due to the alignment, the baby's head may face a less ideal angle for engagement and descent through the birth canal. It can cause increased pressure on the mother's spine, resulting in back pain during labor. Additionally, sacroposterior position can lead to a higher risk of prolonged labor, epidural use, instrumental delivery (forceps or vacuum extraction), or even cesarean section.
To aid in the delivery process, various techniques can be employed, such as maternal position changes, pelvic tilts, or manual rotation of the baby's position. These techniques aim to encourage the baby to rotate to the anterior position, which is considered more favorable for delivery.
Overall, the term sacroposterior refers to a particular fetal position during childbirth that may require additional measures to ensure a successful delivery.
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With the sacrum directed backward, noting a breech presentation of the fetus with the sacrum pointing to one or the other sacroiliac articulation of the mother.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SACROPOSTERIOR
Etymology of SACROPOSTERIOR
The word "sacroposterior" is derived from two Latin roots: "sacro-" and "posterior".
1. "Sacro-" comes from the Latin word "sacrum", which refers to the triangular bone at the base of the spine between the two hip bones. The word "sacrum" itself stems from the Latin "sacer", meaning "sacred" or "holy". This bone was regarded as sacred in ancient cultures.
2. "Posterior" comes from the Latin word "posterior", meaning "behind" or "situated at the back". It is the comparative form of "posterius", which is a form of "posterus" meaning "coming after" or "following".
By combining these two roots, "sacroposterior" is formed to describe something situated behind or posterior to the sacrum, typically in medical or anatomical contexts.
