Intrapartum sonographic evaluation of fetal head descent in relation to maternal position: comparison between dorsal lithotomy and kneeling squat positions

During the latent phase of the second stage of labor, maternal mobilization into upright positions, such as the kneeling squat position, is associated with more favorable sonographic indicators of fetal head station. However, this study supports such findings only in the event of fetal occiput anterior position. Sonographic studies with larger cohorts are warranted to evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings, as well as the role of maternal mobilization in the second stage of labor in relation to the position of the fetal occiput. © 2026 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.