Case study

Case Study

Bekelech came for her antenatal check-up at the eighth month of pregnancy. When you palpated her abdomen, you found a hard, round mass in the fundus of the uterus, and a soft, irregular, bulky mass towards the symphysis pubic. Bekelech told you that in the past week the baby's kick had decreased, and when you listened to her abdomen with a fetoscope you could not hear the fetal heartbeat.

1. Is the fetal lie in Bekelech case vertical or transverse? Explain how you reached your conclusion.
2. What is the presenting part in this case?
3. What do you call a fetus presenting in such a manner?
4. Where would you listen to the fetal heartbeat to confirm your diagnosis of how Bekelech's baby is presenting, and why?
5. What do you suspect the condition of Bekelech's baby, and what action should you take? When else do you take such action?