Fetal station refers to the location of the baby’s presenting part within the pelvis. Knowing how far the baby has descended indicates a sign of progress and can help determine beneficial labor positions to encourage further descent. When baby is too high within the pelvis, they are not “engaged,” but are essentially floating in the pelvis. Upon vaginal exam, the baby’s head would be pushed away from the fingers. On the station scale, this would be -5 to -1 station. As baby becomes engaged, whether by time or positioning, they enter the level where the ischial spines mark the midpelvis at “0.” As baby moves further down the birth canal, the numbers become positive and each increase in level of station brings them closer to being born. A +5 station would mean the baby’s head is filling the vaginal canal and ready to be birthed.
Each fetal station number indicates about a centimeter of descent into the pelvis. When your provider is evaluating your cervix for dilation, they are also noting the station of the baby in additional to cervical ripeness and effacement. Be sure to ask your provider what station the baby is at at each cervical and exam. Keep in mind that the information provided from a cervical exam is subjective. There is a degree of variation between what each provider can “see” with their fingers. Having a general idea of fetal station can help your support team suggest the best labor positions to bring baby down.