transverse lie
Last reviewed 01/2018
It is not uncommon for the foetus to have a transverse lie until about the 32nd week of pregnancy. However if the foetus continues to adopt a transverse lie after this period then a possible cause should be determined. A transverse lie may occur in association with the following conditions:
- grand multiparity
- polyhydramnios
- prematurity
- subseptate uterus
- pelvic tumours such as fibroids, ovarian cysts
- placenta praevia
- multiple pregnancy
- foetal abnormality
The main dangers of a transverse lie is the associations with pre-term rupture of membranes and cord prolapse.
The persistence of transverse lie in labour is an indication for caesarian section.
Notes:
- the causes and management of an oblique lie are similar to those for a transverse lie
- in
a transverse lie there is an anatomical relationship in which the long axis of
the fetus lies at right angles to the long axis of the mother
- i.e. the longitudinal axis of the fetus straddles across the horizontal axis of the uterus
- in an oblique lie there is an anatomical relationship in which
the fetal axis crosses the maternal axis at an angle other than a right angle
- i.e. no fetal presenting part is palpable in the lower pole and the head or the breech is in an iliac fossa