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Scholars International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SIJOG)
Volume-8 | Issue-12 | 389-394
Original Research Article
A Study on the Incidence of Engagement and Non-Engagement of the Foetal Head at or after 38 Weeks of Pregnancy in Nulliparous Women and their Outcomes at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital
Dr. Liza Tasrin, Dr. Jesmin Sultana, Dr. Shamim Ara, Dr. Ayesha Siddika Purabi
Published : Dec. 29, 2025
DOI : https://doi.org/10.36348/sijog.2025.v08i12.004
Abstract
Background: Labour in nulliparous women is a crucial obstetric process, and foetal head engagement is a key determinant of labour progress and clinical decision-making. The purpose of the study is to determine the incidence of foetal head engagement and non-engagement at ≥38 weeks in nulliparous women and evaluate their maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh, from January to December 2009, and included 100 nulliparous women at ≥38 weeks of gestation with singletone foetus with cephalic presentation. Foetal head engagement was assessed using the rule of fifths, and participants were grouped as those with engaged head or non-engaged head. Labour was actively monitored with a partograph, and maternal and foetal outcomes were recorded. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Among 100 nulliparous women ≥38 weeks, 69% had non-engaged and 31% had engaged foetal heads. Vaginal delivery was higher with engagement (77.42% vs 42.63%), while cesarean section was more frequent in non-engagement (57.97% vs 22.58%). Postpartum hemorrhage was higher in the non-engaged group (6.45% vs 1.45%), labour was longer, and neonatal outcomes were comparable, with APGAR scores of 7–10 in >94% of both groups and no APGAR <4. Conclusion: Non-engagement of the foetal head at term in primigravid women is common and, by itself, does not preclude successful vaginal delivery.
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