Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Antenatal pelvic organ mobility is associated with delivery mode
Hans P Dietz1, Kate H Moore, Anneke B Steensma
1Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, Australia. hpdietz@bigpond.com
Objective:
Relaxation of pelvic ligaments may facilitate parturition in certain animal species. Biomechanical properties of pelvic connective tissue may also influence progress of labour in the human female. This study was designed to test whether peripheral joint mobility or pelvic organ mobility as measures of connective tissue biomechanical properties are associated with progress in labour and delivery mode.
Design:
Prospective clinical observational study.
Setting:
Tertiary obstetric service.
Sample:
200 nulliparous women recruited in antenatal clinic.
Methods:
Translabial ultrasound was used to obtain data on third trimester pelvic organ mobility. Upper limb joint mobility was assessed clinically.
Main Outcome Measures:
Gestational length, length of first and second stage of labour, delivery mode.
Results:
Pelvic organ mobility was significantly associated with total length of second stage (P = 0.034 to P = 0.002). This was mainly due to the length of passive, not active second stage. There also was a statistically significant association between delivery mode and pelvic organ descent (P = 0.007 to P = 0.001), with the lowest mobility seen in women who required a Caesarean section in second stage. Joint mobility did not correlate with delivery data.
Conclusion:
Third trimester pelvic organ mobility is associated with duration of second stage and delivery mode.
Related Concept Videos
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Anatomical Positions
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
