OBSintermediate

In the cardinal movements of labor, how does restitution differ from external rotation?

Answer

Restitution is the realignment of the fetal head with the shoulders after delivery of the head, whereas external rotation is the further rotation of the head resulting from the shoulders rotating internally to fit the anteroposterior diameter of the pelvis.

Explanation

Both movements involve realignment after the head has emerged, but the descriptions differ. Restitution describes head-to-shoulder realignment, whereas external rotation is the further turn that brings the head into alignment with the fetal spine and helps align the shoulders in the pelvis. **Key takeaway:** Restitution and external rotation are related but distinct steps.\n\n**Glossary:** **Fetal spine axis**: the long axis of the fetal trunk.

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