Cephalopelvic Disproportion

What is cephalopelvic disproportion - or CPD?

Cephalo means head, pelvic means pelvis and disproportion means being out of proportion. CPD usually means that the head of the baby cannot fit through the pelvis of the mother. The most accurate definition of CPD means that your baby is too large to fit through your pelvis and therefore he cannot be born vaginally. True CPD is actually really rare even though women are too often wrongly told that they have CPD and end up with a c-section often before labor even starts!

Unless you have an abnormal pelvis - because of disease - we do not believe that true CPD can ever be diagnosed BEFORE labor starts. Unless they have a crystal ball no one can predict how much your baby's head will mold and how much your pelvis can or will open up.

On a side note, squatting will open up your pelvis 33% more - and that is not taking gravity into account - so yes your birth position does matter!

Your body was designed to birth your baby. In your sacrum you have something called the "Rhombus of Michaelis." What is it?

The Rhombus of Michaelis is a diamond-shaped area in your pelvis and it plays a major role during labor and birth. This diamond-shaped area includes three of your lower lumbar vertebrae as well as your sacrum. During the second stage of labor - pushing - the Rhombus of Michaelis moves outwards - meaning it moves back - and it in doing so it opens up your pelvis therefore increasing the opening of your pelvis. In short this means that birth positioning is key. Some birth positions encourage your body to work more efficiently than other positions. Laying flat on your back with your feet in stirrups is the worst way to birth a baby. Heck, try going to the bathroom in that position! Gross, but you get the point.

Picture from ilithyiainspired.com

How often does cephalopelvic disproportion occur?

As we have said before true CPD is rare. According to the American College of Nurse Midwives - ACNM - CPD occurs in 1 out of 250 pregnancies - or .4% of the time.

Keep in mind that a diagnosis of CPD in a past pregnancy does not mean, you cannot have another baby vaginally! Remember, a trial of labor is the only true way to diagnose CPD!

To leave a comment or review about CPD Click Here

Read others' comments and reviews.

You Might Also Like

The Joy of Natural Childbirth	Ultrasound Dangers	Safe Drug During Pregnancy

Cephalopelvic Disproportion: Reviews

Any thoughts? A story of your own? Share with us!

What Other Moms Have Shared with Us.

Click below to see contributions from other moms to this page...