What Is Cephalopelvic Disproportion? Diagnosis Help

Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) is a medical condition that occurs when a baby's head or body is too large to pass through the mother's pelvis during childbirth. This condition can lead to complications during delivery, including prolonged labor, fetal distress, and the need for cesarean section. CPD is a significant concern in obstetrics, as it can increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

The diagnosis of CPD is typically made during pregnancy, often during the third trimester. Healthcare providers use various methods to assess the size of the baby and the mother's pelvis, including ultrasound measurements, pelvimetry, and clinical palpation. These assessments help determine whether the baby's head or body can safely pass through the mother's pelvis during delivery. In some cases, CPD may be suspected earlier in pregnancy, particularly if the mother has a history of previous cesarean sections or other obstetric complications.

Clinical Assessment of Cephalopelvic Disproportion

A thorough clinical assessment is essential for diagnosing CPD. Healthcare providers typically perform a combination of physical examinations, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests to evaluate the size and shape of the mother's pelvis and the baby's head or body. The following are some of the key factors that healthcare providers consider when assessing CPD:

• Pelvic dimensions: The size and shape of the mother's pelvis, including the inlet, midpelvis, and outlet.
• Fetal size and position: The size and position of the baby's head or body, including the biparietal diameter (BPD), occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), and mentovertical diameter (MVD).
• Fetal engagement: The degree to which the baby's head or body has descended into the mother's pelvis.
• Maternal parity and obstetric history: The mother's previous obstetric experiences, including any history of cesarean sections or other complications.

Radiological Assessment of Cephalopelvic Disproportion

Radiological imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can provide valuable information about the size and shape of the mother's pelvis and the baby's head or body. These studies can help healthcare providers assess the following:

These imaging studies can help healthcare providers diagnose CPD and develop an appropriate treatment plan, including the possibility of cesarean section.

Treatment and Management of Cephalopelvic Disproportion

The treatment and management of CPD depend on the severity of the condition and the individual circumstances of the mother and baby. In some cases, CPD may be managed expectantly, with close monitoring of the mother and baby during pregnancy and labor. In other cases, cesarean section may be necessary to ensure a safe delivery. The following are some of the key considerations in managing CPD:

1. Cesarean section: May be necessary if CPD is severe or if the mother has a history of previous cesarean sections or other obstetric complications.
2. Induction of labor: May be considered if CPD is mild or if the mother has a history of previous vaginal deliveries.
3. Fetal monitoring: Close monitoring of the baby's heart rate and other vital signs during labor to detect any signs of distress.
4. Maternal positioning: The mother may be positioned in a way that helps the baby's head or body pass through the pelvis more easily, such as the lithotomy position or the McRoberts maneuver.