Which action is the sixth cardinal movement in labor?

Which action is the sixth cardinal movement in labor?

• A. Descent
• B. Expulsion
• C. Internal rotation
• D. External rotation

Answer: (B)

The sequence being tested is how the fetus navigates the birth canal through the cardinal movements. After moving down (descent), flexing the head to reduce its diameter (flexion), rotating internally to align with the pelvis, and extending as it passes under the symphysis, the head then undergoes external rotation to align with the shoulders. The final phase is expulsion, where the rest of the fetal body is delivered after the head and shoulders are in position. This final step completes the birth, as the body slides out with the next contractions.

The sequence being tested is how the fetus navigates the birth canal through the cardinal movements. After moving down (descent), flexing the head to reduce its diameter (flexion), rotating internally to align with the pelvis, and extending as it passes under the symphysis, the head then undergoes external rotation to align with the shoulders. The final phase is expulsion, where the rest of the fetal body is delivered after the head and shoulders are in position. This final step completes the birth, as the body slides out with the next contractions.