Emergency C-sections during labor can sometimes be unavoidable, but researchers at University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) are pioneering ultrasound techniques to reduce these risks.
Assessing whether a baby's head will fit through the pelvis before delivery is challenging—the baby's head and maternal pelvis are both flexible, and the final fetal position often decides the outcome. At UMCG, experts propose using ultrasound at full dilation (10 cm) to provide critical insights.
A transperineal ultrasound probe placed on the labia measures the angle between the pubic bone and the fetal head. If the angle is too acute, indicating potential obstruction, a planned C-section can be performed, avoiding a rushed emergency procedure. Current emergency C-sections often occur with the baby deep in the birth canal, complicating surgery and increasing risks for mother and baby.
