North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A military presentation occurs when the fetus is in a cephalic presentation with its head neither flexed nor extended significantly; it is positioned with the head and neck neutral. In this position, the head is aligned with the spine, resembling an upright stance, which is characteristic of a military posture. It can be identified visually during a vaginal examination or through imaging techniques.

When considering other options, a flexed head and neck would indicate a different cephalic presentation known as the vertex position, where the chin is tucked, preparing for an efficient delivery. Similarly, a fully extending head and neck would not convey a military presentation, as it would imply that the fetus is looking upward rather than aligning its head with its back. Lastly, the transverse lie describes a situation where the fetus is lying sideways in the uterus, which is distinct from a military presentation as it does not involve any version of cephalic presentation. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique characteristics of a military presentation in the context of fetal positioning.