Final answer:
The result of the fetus adapting to the size and shape of the pelvis is known as molding, where the fetal skull bones overlap to fit through the birth canal. c. Molding
Step-by-step explanation:
What results from the adaptation of the fetus to the size and shape of the pelvis is molding. During childbirth, the fetal head can change shape to some extent, allowing for easier passage through the birth canal. This process is possible because the bones of the fetal skull have not yet fused and can slightly overlap. The female pelvis is adapted for childbirth, being wider and having a broader angle between the pubic bones, which provides a larger space for a baby to be born. This change in the shape of the fetal head is part of the natural adjustments that occur during labor and birth.
The stages of childbirth include the dilation of the cervix, the birth of the baby, and the delivery of the afterbirth (placenta), as seen in Figure 28.21 Stages of Childbirth. Throughout these stages, the female pelvis and the fetus work together to facilitate the birthing process.
1