Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
station
Measurement of fetal head descent in relation to maternal ischial spines during labor.
Full Definition
A clinical measurement used during labor to assess the descent of the fetal presenting part (usually the head) through the maternal pelvis. Station is measured in centimeters relative to the ischial spines, with 0 station indicating the presenting part is at the level of the ischial spines. Negative numbers (-5 to -1) indicate the head is above the spines (not yet engaged), while positive numbers (+1 to +5) indicate descent below the spines toward crowning. Essential for assessing labor progress and determining delivery approach.
Usage
Usage note: Always include the + or - sign when documenting station. Zero station may be written as '0' without a sign.
In Context
- "The cervical exam revealed 6 cm dilation with fetal head at +1 station." — Labor progress note
- "Document station measurements consistently using the -5 to +5 scale." — Clinical documentation standard
Also known as
fetal station
descent
Don't confuse with
dilation
effacement
engagement