7 cardinal movements of fetus

Engagement

When fetal head reaches ischial spine (0 station/pelvic inlet)

-Occur in late pregnancy or early labor

Descent

Fetus moves past ischial spines through birth canal

-Occur throughout labor--1st & 2nd stages

Flexion

Fetal chin touches chest

-Occurs in early labor

Internal rotation

Allows the longest diameter of the fetal head (A-P) to conform to the longest diameter of the maternal pelvis

Extension

Fetal chin comes off of the chest and the neck arches as the head is born--face is now toward rectum

External rotation

Fetal head turns to realign with the body in order to fit through the pelvis

Expulsion

The anterior then posterior shoulder is delivered, then the body delivers easily