National Vital Statistics System

27. Method of delivery

Category: Labor and Delivery

BC # 46

FDFWS # 23

FDR # 38

Definitions, Instructions, Sources, Keywords and Abbreviations
Definitions The physical process by which the complete delivery of the fetus was affected.
Instructions Complete sections C and D.
Sources See below
Keywords and Abbreviations

See below

C. Fetal presentation at birth
Definitions

Cephalic presenting part of the fetus listed as vertex, occiput anterior (OA), or occiput posterior (OP).

Breech– presenting part of the fetus listed as breech, complete breech, frank breech, or footling breech.

Other – any other presentation not listed above.

Instructions

Check one of the three boxes.

Check only the final presentation at birth.

Sources 1st  Delivery record under – Fetal birth presentation
Keywords and Abbreviations

Cephalic:

  • Vertex–OA, OP, LOA, ROA,
    LOP, ROP, LOT, ROT
  • Face—LMA, LMT, LMP , RMA,
    RMP, RMT
  • Brow
  • Sinciput
  • Mentum—chin

Breech: (Buttocks, sacrum)

  • Frank breech–LSA, LST, LSP,
    RSP, RST
  • Single footling breech
  • Double footling breech
  • Complete breech

Other:

  • Shoulder
  • Transverse lie
  • Funis
  • Compound (i.e., vertex with hand)
D. Final route and method of delivery
Definitions

Vaginal/ spontaneous
Delivery of the entire fetus through the vagina by the natural force of labor with or without manual assistance from the delivery attendant.

Vaginal/ forceps
Delivery of the fetal head through the vagina by the application of obstetrical forceps to the fetal head.

Vaginal/ vacuum
Delivery of the fetal head through the vagina by the application of a vacuum cup or ventouse to the fetal head.

Cesarean
Extraction of the fetus, placenta, and membranes through an incision in the maternal abdominal and uterine walls.

Instructions

Check one of the boxes.

Sources

1st  Delivery record under – Method of delivery

2nd  Newborn admission H&P

3rd  Recovery room record under – Maternal data – Delivered

Keywords and Abbreviations Vaginal/spontaneous:
  • VAG Del – Vaginal delivery
  • SVD – Spontaneous vaginal delivery

 Vaginal/forceps:

  • LFD – Low forceps delivery

 Vaginal/vacuum:

  • Vac Ext
  • vacuum

Cesarean:

  • C/S – Cesarean section
  • LSTCS – Low segment transverse
  • Look for:
    • TOL – Trial of labor
If cesarean, was a trial of labor attempted?
Definitions Labor was allowed, augmented, or induced with plans for a vaginal delivery.
Instructions

Check “yes” or “no.”

Sources
Keywords and Abbreviations TOL – Trial of labor

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Page last reviewed: April 25, 2022