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Transverse lie

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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

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