What is the plot?

The episode "Fetal Position" begins with a pregnant woman named Mary, who is in a hospital bed, experiencing severe abdominal pain. She is in her third trimester and is being monitored closely. The medical team, including Dr. Gregory House, is called to assess her condition. House is initially dismissive of the case, focusing instead on his own personal issues, particularly his ongoing pain and the need for a new cane.

As the team examines Mary, they discover that she has a high fever and is showing signs of distress. Dr. Cameron expresses concern for both Mary and her unborn child, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. House, however, is more interested in the puzzle of her illness than the emotional aspects of the case. He orders a series of tests, including blood work and imaging, to determine the cause of her symptoms.

The results of the tests reveal that Mary has a high white blood cell count, indicating an infection. The team considers various possibilities, including an infection in the uterus or a more systemic issue. House suggests that they should perform an amniocentesis to gather more information, but Mary is hesitant due to the risks involved. Dr. Chase tries to reassure her, but House's blunt demeanor makes the situation more tense.

As the team continues to investigate, they discover that Mary has a history of drug use, which complicates her case. They suspect that her past may be contributing to her current condition. House decides to confront Mary about her drug use, but she becomes defensive and refuses to cooperate. This leads to a heated exchange between them, highlighting House's lack of empathy and Mary's desperation.

Meanwhile, the team is also dealing with the ethical implications of treating a pregnant woman. Dr. Foreman argues that they should prioritize the health of the mother, while Dr. Cameron insists that they must also consider the unborn child. This debate creates tension within the team, as they struggle to find a balance between medical ethics and the urgency of the situation.

As the episode progresses, Mary's condition worsens, and she begins to experience contractions. The team realizes that they need to act quickly to save both her and the baby. House decides to perform an emergency C-section, believing that it is the only way to save them. He orders the necessary preparations, but Mary is terrified and pleads with him to reconsider.

In the operating room, House and his team work frantically to deliver the baby. The atmosphere is tense as they navigate the complications that arise during the procedure. House's focus is unwavering, driven by his desire to solve the medical mystery and save the lives at stake. After a series of intense moments, they successfully deliver the baby, but Mary's condition remains critical.

Following the delivery, the team discovers that Mary has developed a severe infection, which is now threatening her life. They quickly administer antibiotics and other treatments, but the situation remains precarious. House's frustration grows as he realizes that they are still missing a key piece of information about her illness.

In a pivotal moment, House decides to dig deeper into Mary's past. He learns about her previous medical history and uncovers that she had a rare autoimmune disorder that could be the root cause of her current symptoms. This revelation shifts the focus of the treatment plan, and the team begins to address the underlying condition rather than just the symptoms.

As they implement the new treatment strategy, Mary's condition begins to stabilize. The team works together, showcasing their individual strengths and expertise. House, despite his usual aloofness, shows a flicker of concern for Mary's well-being, indicating a subtle shift in his character.

In the final scenes, Mary is recovering, and the team reflects on the challenges they faced throughout the case. House, however, remains distant, grappling with his own personal struggles. The episode concludes with a sense of resolution for Mary and her baby, but leaves House's emotional state unresolved, hinting at the ongoing complexities of his character.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Fetal Position," the team discovers that the patient, a pregnant woman named Mary, has a rare condition that is causing her severe symptoms. After a tense series of events, they manage to save both her and her unborn child. House, who has been struggling with his own emotional issues, finds a moment of connection with Mary, reflecting on the complexities of life and the choices we make. The episode concludes with House's team feeling a sense of accomplishment, while House himself remains distant, grappling with his own internal conflicts.


As the episode "Fetal Position" draws to a close, the tension in the hospital reaches a peak. The scene opens in the hospital room where Mary, the pregnant patient, lies in distress. Her condition has worsened, and the team is racing against time to find a solution. Dr. House, played by Hugh Laurie, is in his usual state of skepticism, pushing his team to think outside the box. He is frustrated by the limitations of traditional medicine and the emotional weight of the situation.

The camera shifts to the team, consisting of Dr. Foreman, Dr. Cameron, and Dr. Chase, who are gathered around a whiteboard filled with potential diagnoses. Each member is visibly stressed, reflecting the high stakes of their patient's life. They debate the implications of various treatments, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of urgency. House, however, remains detached, his mind racing with possibilities but his heart seemingly closed off.

In a pivotal moment, Mary's condition takes a turn for the worse, and she begins to experience severe pain. The team rushes to her side, and the emotional weight of the situation becomes palpable. Mary expresses her fears about her unborn child, and the camera captures the raw vulnerability in her eyes. House, despite his usual aloofness, is momentarily affected by her plight. He realizes that the stakes are not just about saving a life but also about the future of a family.

As the team continues to investigate, they discover that Mary has a rare condition known as a "fetal-maternal hemorrhage." This revelation comes after a series of tests and discussions, showcasing the team's collaborative efforts. The tension builds as they prepare for an emergency procedure to save both Mary and her baby. The operating room is filled with a sense of urgency, and the camera captures the sweat on the doctors' brows as they work meticulously to stabilize Mary.

In the operating room, House's demeanor shifts slightly. He is still the brilliant but emotionally distant doctor, yet there is a flicker of empathy as he guides his team through the procedure. The scene is intense, with close-ups of the surgical instruments and the focused expressions of the doctors. The stakes are high, and the audience can feel the weight of each decision being made.

After a tense sequence, the procedure is successful. Mary is stabilized, and the team breathes a collective sigh of relief. The camera pans to House, who stands slightly apart from the others, his expression a mix of relief and introspection. He watches as Mary is reunited with her newborn, a moment filled with joy and tears. The emotional gravity of the scene is underscored by the soft lighting and the gentle sounds of the hospital.

As the episode concludes, House reflects on the experience. He is seen in his office, staring out the window, lost in thought. The victory of saving Mary and her child is overshadowed by his ongoing struggles with his own emotional barriers. The final shot lingers on House's face, revealing a man who is both accomplished and deeply conflicted. The episode ends without a clear resolution for House, leaving the audience to ponder the complexities of his character and the choices he faces.

In summary, the fates of the main characters are intertwined with the resolution of Mary's case. Mary survives, and her child is born healthy, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. House's team experiences a moment of triumph, yet House himself remains isolated, grappling with his internal demons. The episode closes on a note of ambiguity, highlighting the ongoing conflict within House as he navigates the challenges of his profession and personal life.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In the episode "Fetal Position" from Season 3 of House, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main storyline and character developments throughout the episode, particularly the challenges faced by Dr. Gregory House and his team as they diagnose and treat a pregnant woman with a mysterious illness. The narrative wraps up with the resolution of the medical case and the emotional implications for the characters involved, particularly House's complex relationship with the concept of life and responsibility.

What medical condition does the pregnant woman, who is the main patient in 'Fetal Position', suffer from?

The pregnant woman, named Mary, suffers from a mysterious illness that causes her to experience severe abdominal pain and other symptoms, leading to complications with her pregnancy.

How does House's team initially approach the diagnosis of the pregnant patient?

House's team initially approaches the diagnosis by considering various potential causes for her symptoms, including infections and autoimmune disorders, but they struggle to find a clear answer.

What ethical dilemma does House face regarding the treatment of the unborn child?

House faces an ethical dilemma when he must decide whether to prioritize the health of the mother, Mary, or the unborn child, as the treatments he considers could endanger the fetus.

What role does Foreman play in the episode regarding the treatment decisions?

Foreman plays a crucial role in advocating for the mother's health over the unborn child's, which creates tension within the team and challenges House's usual disregard for ethical boundaries.

How does the episode explore the relationship between House and his team during the case?

The episode explores the dynamics of House's relationship with his team as they navigate the complexities of the case, showcasing their differing opinions on medical ethics and the emotional toll of the situation.

Is this family friendly?

"Fetal Position," the 17th episode of Season 3 of "House," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

  1. Medical Procedures: The episode features graphic depictions of medical procedures, including surgeries and invasive tests, which may be unsettling for younger audiences.

  2. Emotional Distress: The storyline revolves around a pregnant woman with a serious medical condition, leading to intense emotional moments that explore themes of fear, loss, and the potential for harm to both mother and child.

  3. Family Conflict: There are scenes depicting family tension and conflict, particularly regarding decisions about the health of the mother and unborn child, which may be distressing.

  4. Death and Dying: The episode touches on themes of mortality and the implications of serious illness, which could be heavy for younger viewers to process.

  5. Intense Dialogue: The conversations between characters can be emotionally charged, discussing life-and-death situations that may be difficult for children to understand.

These elements contribute to a tone that may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly younger children or those sensitive to medical or emotional distress.