unstable lie
Last reviewed 01/2018
When the presentation of the foetus changes from day to day the lie is said to be unstable.
It is not a sinister sign in the grand multip - the uterus is relatively flaccid and able to accommodate a lot of movement of the fetus.
In other women it ought to be investigated as a possible sign of placenta praevia - the low lying placenta preventing engagement of the fetal head.
Other possible causes of an unstable lie include:
- polyhydramnios
- prematurity
- subseptate uterus
- pelvic tumours such as fibroids and ovarian cysts