What is the meaning of medical term CALDWELL?

Caldwell is a medical term that refers to the Caldwell maneuver, which is a technique used in obstetrics to facilitate the delivery of a baby's head during childbirth. During a breech birth, Caldwell describes one of four distinct mechanisms of descent and rotation the fetal head makes through the birth canal.

The Caldwell maneuver involves applying pressure to the top of the baby's head, known as the vertex, to help guide it into the pelvic outlet and allow for its delivery. This technique is often used when the baby's head is not in the ideal position for birth, such as when it is facing sideways or backwards.

By applying gentle pressure to the vertex, the healthcare provider can help align the baby's head with the birth canal and encourage it to turn into the proper position for delivery. This helps reduce the risk of complications and enables a smoother and safer birthing process.