The cardinal movements of labor are the specific positional changes the fetus undergoes to adapt to the maternal pelvis. These movements include:
Engagement: The fetal head enters the pelvic brim. Descent: The fetal head moves downward through the pelvis. Flexion: The fetal chin moves towards the chest, decreasing the diameter of the head to pass through the pelvis more easily. Internal Rotation: The fetal head rotates to align with the maternal pelvic outlet. Extension: The fetal head extends as it passes under the pubic symphysis. External Rotation (Restitution): The fetal head rotates to align with the shoulders, which are still inside the mother. Expulsion: The anterior shoulder passes under the pubic symphysis, followed by the posterior shoulder and the rest of the body.
