This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Transverse lie

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

It is not uncommon for the foetus to have a transverse lie until about the 32nd week of pregnancy. However if the foetus continues to adopt a transverse lie after this period then a possible cause should be determined. A transverse lie may occur in association with the following conditions:

  • grand multiparity
  • polyhydramnios
  • prematurity
  • subseptate uterus
  • pelvic tumours such as fibroids, ovarian cysts
  • placenta praevia
  • multiple pregnancy
  • foetal abnormality

The main dangers of a transverse lie is the associations with pre-term rupture of membranes and cord prolapse.

The persistence of transverse lie in labour is an indication for caesarian section.

Notes:

  • the causes and management of an oblique lie are similar to those for a transverse lie
  • in a transverse lie there is an anatomical relationship in which the long axis of the fetus lies at right angles to the long axis of the mother
    • i.e. the longitudinal axis of the fetus straddles across the horizontal axis of the uterus
  • in an oblique lie there is an anatomical relationship in which the fetal axis crosses the maternal axis at an angle other than a right angle
    • i.e. no fetal presenting part is palpable in the lower pole and the head or the breech is in an iliac fossa

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.