Anthropomorphic characteristics as obstetric risk determinants

Abstract

An essential element in achieving a successful birth process is the size of the infant and its relationship to the birth canal. The maternal anthropomorphic characteristics of height and weight are determinant in establishing birth canal adequacy and infant size. The present study assesses the risk element of these two factors on obstetric performance in a Mediterranean population characterised by a relatively short stature and a high prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome. Obese women have been shown to have pregnancies which are more likely to be complicated by hypertension and diabetes when compared to their leaner counterparts. They were more likely to be delivered by Caesarean section and vaginal delivery was more likely to be complicated by shoulder dystocia. The infants born to these mothers were heavier and were more likely to suffer from respiratory distress in the neonatal period. The short stature woman similarly had a greater likelihood of requiring Caesarean delivery in spite of having a tendency to infants with smaller birth weights than their taller counterparts. The study confirms that the maternal body habitus remains an obstetric risk consideration that needs to be addressed when deciding on management of delivery.