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Published on: April 17, 2019
Magnetic resonance-based serial pelvimetry: do maternal pelvic dimensions change during pregnancy?
Glenn S Huerta-Enochian1, Vern L Katz, Linda K Fox
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Corvallis, OR, USA. ghenochi@samhealth.org
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 30, 2006
Summary
Maternal pelvic dimensions remain stable throughout the third trimester and after delivery. Magnetic resonance-based pelvimetry confirms this stability, suggesting its utility for predicting labor success post-delivery.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Medical Imaging
- Pelvic Biomechanics
Background:
- The maternal pelvis undergoes significant changes during pregnancy.
- Understanding pelvic stability is crucial for managing labor and delivery, especially in cases of previous cesarean delivery for cephalopelvic disproportion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the stability of maternal pelvic dimensions during the third trimester and the puerperium.
- To determine if pelvic measurements change significantly after childbirth.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant patients underwent serial magnetic resonance-based pelvimetry (MR-pelvimetry) and fetal ultrasonography.
- Measurements were taken during the third trimester (37-38 weeks gestation) and post-delivery (within 3 days and at 3 months).
- Patient cohort included women planning a trial of labor after cesarean delivery.
Main Results:
- Eighteen patients completed the study.
- Pelvic measurements showed no statistically significant changes from late pregnancy through 3 months postpartum.
- Seven patients achieved successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.
Conclusions:
- Maternal pelvic dimensions exhibit relative stability throughout pregnancy and the puerperium.
- MR-pelvimetry obtained after delivery can provide reliable pelvic measurements.
- Antepartum MR-pelvimetry may serve as a predictor of labor success.
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