Fetal position

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Fetal position (British English: foetal) is a medical term used to describe the positioning 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. It is also often displayed by persons suffering from mental illness.

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 evolved as 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.

Many people assume this position when sleeping, especially when the body becomes cold.

Some people recommend that if a Brown Bear attacks and it is not possible to get away, the person should lie down in a fetal position and put his/her hands around the head to protect from bites. This may reduce damage to vital organs.