Which of the following is a common cause of transverse lie?
## **Core Concept**
A transverse lie refers to a fetal position where the baby's shoulders and hips are aligned with the mother's ribcage and pelvis, respectively, and the baby's spine is perpendicular to the mother's spine. This position is abnormal and can be a cause for concern during pregnancy. The **common causes** of transverse lie include conditions that lead to **relaxation of the uterine muscles** or **obstructive factors** preventing the fetus from assuming a cephalic (head-down) position.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, ** uterine anomalies or a multiple pregnancy (D)**, can cause a transverse lie due to the altered uterine shape or the presence of more than one fetus which can prevent the normal cephalic presentation. Uterine anomalies, such as a **bicornuate uterus**, can limit the space available for fetal movement and positioning, leading to an abnormal lie. Similarly, in a **multiple pregnancy**, the presence of more than one fetus can cause crowding within the uterus, making it difficult for the fetuses to assume a normal head-down position.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** While **placenta previa** can cause a low-lying placenta that might interfere with fetal movement, it is not as directly associated with transverse lie as uterine anomalies or multiple pregnancy. However, it can contribute to abnormal fetal positions due to the placenta's location.
- **Option B:** **Polyhydramnios** (excess amniotic fluid) can cause the fetus to move more freely, potentially leading to an abnormal lie, but it is not as specific or direct a cause as uterine anomalies or multiple gestations.
- **Option C:** **Previous cesarean section** might influence the mode of delivery or the risk of placenta accreta but is not a direct cause of transverse lie.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that a transverse lie at term is an indication for **cesarean delivery** if it cannot be manually converted to a cephalic presentation. Early identification and management of causes can prevent complications.
## **Correct Answer: D. Uterine anomalies or a multiple pregnancy**