station
The relationship of the fetal presenting part to the maternal ischial spines during labor, measured in centimeters above or below.
Full Definition
Station describes the position of the fetal presenting part (usually the head) relative to the maternal ischial spines during cervical examination. The ischial spines serve as the reference point (station 0) because they represent the narrowest diameter of the maternal pelvis. Station is measured in centimeters: negative numbers (-5 to -1) indicate the presenting part is above the spines, while positive numbers (+1 to +5) indicate it is below the spines. Station +5 typically corresponds to crowning. Assessment of station helps determine labor progress and the likelihood of successful vaginal delivery.
Usage
Usage note: Always include the sign (+ or -) when documenting station measurements. Use 'station 0' not 'zero station'.
In Context
- "Cervical examination revealed 6 cm dilation with fetal head at -1 station." — Labor progress note
- "The patient progressed from -2 station to +2 station over three hours of active labor." — Delivery summary