Descent of the baby into the pelvis is described by which term?

• A. Dilation
• B. Effacement
• C. Station
• D. Rotation

Answer: (C)

Descent of the baby into the pelvis is described by station. This measures how far the presenting part has moved relative to the pelvic bony landmarks, especially the ischial spines. A zero station means the head is at the level of the spines; negative stations indicate the head is still above the spines, while positive stations show it has passed below and is descending further. Clinicians estimate station during vaginal exams to track progress toward delivery. This concept is separate from dilation (cervix opening), effacement (cervix thinning), and rotation (turning of the fetus as it moves through the pelvis).