The term that refers to the direction toward which the back of the baby's head (the occiput) or other presenting part lies is called what?

• A. Position
• B. Presentation
• C. Station
• D. Engagement

Answer: (A)

Position is the term that describes where the presenting part is oriented inside the pelvis, including the direction toward which the back of the baby’s head (the occiput) points. In a cephalic presentation, you’ll hear about occipitoanterior, occipitoposterior, or occipitotransverse positions, which tell you whether the occiput is facing toward the front, back, or side of the mother. This is distinct from presentation (which part presents, such as the head), station (how far the presenting part has descended relative to the ischial spines), and engagement (whether the presenting part has entered the pelvic inlet). The position description is what conveys that directional relationship of the occiput to the maternal pelvis.