Maternal height as a predictor of vaginal delivery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to establish a relationship between maternal height and vaginal delivery. METHOD: A prospective study of 900 primigravidas in labor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital was conducted. A questionnaire was developed and administered by research assistants. The results were analyzed using the χ 2-test. RESULT: Of the 900 patients who delivered, 538 were studied. The remaining patients were excluded from the study because of factors described under exclusion criteria. A critical height of 154 cm was chosen as the screening height for ‘at risk’ of cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). This height would identify 71.1% of women who would develop CPD. CONCLUSION: Short women with heights up to 150 cm are at risk of failing spontaneous vaginal delivery and should be referred to hospitals where labor could be closely monitored and cesarean section performed if necessary.