Low station, closed cervix

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Hey, I am new in L&D. I have a question that I have been trying to comprehend but it isn't working. How can a baby's head be low and engaged without the cervix being dialated and thinned? If the head drops low does that just mean the cervix moves lower? I cannot get a mental picture of a similar situation. Help would be great.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

Yes, a baby can be low in the pelvis with a long and closed cervix. This is actually not uncommon. The lower uterine segment can stretch to accommodate the head without any cervical change. The entire uterus can move down with the baby too- that is why sometimes fundal height drops after 38ish weeks gestation.

Hope that helps a little!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Also, if you ever encounter a situation where the fetus is low in the pelvis, the cervix is very thin, but not dilated, you should ask about previous cervical procedures like LEEP or cryosurgery. They can cause scar tissue that will cause the cervix to not want to dilate. Then, suddenly the scar tissue will break like a rubber band, and the woman will go from 1/100 to 7 cm.

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If the fetus is low and you feel a thin cervix but closed, it means that the cervix is just not ready. but once that cervix is ready and the head is low it will most likely open up very fast.....

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