What Causes Cephalopelvic Disproportion?

0 23 June 2023
What Causes Cephalopelvic Disproportion?

Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) refers to a situation where a mother’s pelvic structure is mismatched with the dimensions and form of her baby’s head, rendering natural delivery difficult or impossible. Cephalopelvic disproportion can result from diverse causes, such as the infant being comparatively larger, fetal positioning abnormalities, unconventional pelvic structures, or maternal conditions that entail possessing a narrow pelvis. To ensure a safe and successful delivery, healthcare professionals need to understand the underlying reasons behind CPD and be able to identify potential risks while devising appropriate management strategies.

  • Cephalopelvic disproportion, a condition where the fetal head is too large for the birth canal, often stems from fetal macrosomia – an anomaly where the baby has an excessively large body size. The outcome could be linked to maternal elements, including gestational diabetes or increased weight during pregnancy. Fetal macrosomia increases the chances of cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) due to the possibility of the infant’s head being too large to pass through the mother’s pelvis.
  • Certain fetal positions, like breech or transverse, may cause a size difference between the baby’s head and the mother’s pelvis. Sometimes, when the infant’s head and the mother’s pelvic region do not align correctly, it can m