07/23/2021
Fetal station is very significant. Especially when its time to push.
Fetal station is measured by the top of the bony part of the baby's head in relation to the Ischial (i·skee·uhl) spine.
An imaginary line is drawn between the two bones in the pelvis (the Ischial spine), and this line is considered the zero station.
If the baby's presenting part is above zero, its considered negative ( -1 to -3)
Anything below zero is considered positive (+1 to +3)
In a first time mom, the descent into the pelvis and dilation should happen in tandem. But what happens when you are 10cm dilated but the baby is at a 0 or -1?
This usually means you'll probably push for a long time and you'll feel like you ran a 5k during each increment. It could take you HOURS to push from a -1 to a +1.
SO, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
If the baby is stable and showing no signs of distress, ask to LABOR DOWN.
Laboring down means that you are allowing your body to move the baby down into the pelvis passively.
I have labored women down until they are +2, and as a first time parent, they only push for a short period. They aren't exhausted or discouraged when they deliver! WIN- WIN! Its awesome!
T R U S T M E!