Female pelvic dimensions relevant to labour process in a black Kenyan population

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal pelvic dimensions are key to determining progress and outcome of labour. In addition, the  size of the pelvis is a crucial reference point in attempting to predict cephalopelvic disproportion. There is paucity  of data regarding pelvic dimensions amongst black Kenyan population despite the central significance of such data  in local obstetrics practice.  

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 50 female pelvic osteology specimens was performed at the National Museums  of Kenya, Nairobi. Data were collected using a structured study instrument and were analyzed using Statistical Pack age for Social Sciences version 21. 

Results: At the pelvic inlet, the true conjugate was 10.37 ± 1.02cm, the diagonal conjugate was 11.72 ± 1.07cm and  the obstetric conjugate was 11.44 ± 0.78cm. The transverse diameter was 11.42 ± 0.96cm. In the mid-cavity, the  anteroposterior diameter was 10.64 ± 1.00cm, while the interspinous diameter was 8.49 ± 0.92cm. At the outlet, the  anteroposterior diameter was 9.66 ± 1.16cm, while the intertuberous diameter was 9.04 ± 0.92cm. The subpubic  angle was 74.54 ± 9.72 degrees. The posterior depth was 9.95 ± 1.11cm, while the anterior depth was 3.24 ± 1.41 cm.

Conclusion: The average pelvic dimensions in this population are smaller than what has been observed in other  populations. Of significance is that some morphometric dimensions were ominously smaller than what has been  implicated in cephalopelvic disproportion. Imaging and clinical studies would help shed more light on correlation  of the dimensions and obstetric outcomes in black Kenyan population.