Maternal height as a risk factor for Caesarean section

Maternal height has been reported as an obstetric risk factor, since short maternal stature may be associated with an increased incidence of obstructed labour due to cephalopelvic disproportion.

There were 373 nulliparous women who were 150 cm or less in height (total n=5,650) and 367 women who were below 19 years old in the study group and 48 of these women were 150 cm or less in height. There were 37 patients who were 150 cm or less in height and over 39 years old.

There was no statistically significant difference between the rates of Caesarean section in patients who were 150 cm or less in height and patients who were taller than 150 cm (P>0.05). However, the rate of Caesarean section was higher in patients who were 150 cm or less in height and below 19 years old (P<0.05) and over 39 years old (P<0.05).

Short maternal height (<150 cm) was not associated with a greater likelihood of Caesarean section for cephalopelvic disproportion. However, patients who were below 19 years old and over 39 years old with a height of 150 cm or smaller had a greater likelihood of undergoing Caesarean section.