Fetal position (
British English: also foetal) is a medical term used to describe the
position of the
body of a prenatal
fetus as it
develops. In this position, the back is curved, the head is bowed, and the
limbs are bent and drawn up to the torso.
This position is used in the medical profession to minimize injury to the neck and chest.
Sometimes, when a person has suffered extreme
physical or
psychological trauma (including massive
stress), they will assume the fetal position or a similar position in which the back is curved forward, the legs are brought up as tightly against the abdomen as possible, the head is bowed as close to the abdomen as possible, and the arms are wrapped around the
head to prevent further
trauma. This position provides better protection to the
brain and vital organs than simply lying spread out on the ground, so it is obvious as to why it is an instinctual reaction to extreme stress or trauma when the brain is no longer able to cope with the surrounding environment, and in essence "shuts down" temporarily.
The fetal position has been observed in
drug addicts, who enter the position when experiencing withdrawal. Sufferers of anxiety are also known to assume the fetal position during panic attacks.
Many people assume this position when
sleeping, especially when the body becomes cold.
A study by Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service found that people who sleep in the fetal position consistently tend to...
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