Maternal height and the risk of cesarean delivery in nulliparous women

To evaluate the relationship between maternal height of < 155 cm and the risk of caesarean delivery due to cephalo-pelvic disproportion (CPD) among nulliparous women.

Retrospective cohort study

A total of 660 term (GA > or = 37 weeks), uncomplicated singleton nulliparous pregnant women were enrolled on admission to labour room. The patients were divided into two groups based on maternal height, < or = 155 cm (440 cases) as control and < 155 cm (220 cases) as study group. The medical records of these women were reviewed. Various baseline clinical characteristics were collected. Intrapartum characteristics and maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded.

The rate of caesarean section of all indications was only slightly higher among study group than control group (16.4% and 13.7% respectively, p = 0.514). No significant difference was observed in the rate of caesarean delivery due to CPD (7.3% and 10.5% in control and study group respectively, p = 0.376). The rate of caesarean delivery due to CPD was highest among those with height < 150 cm (p < 0.001). Mean birth weight was significantly lower among study group than control group (2,927.7 +/- 368.1 g and 3,068.4 +/- 358.5 g respectively, p < 0.001). Low birth weight (< 2,500 g) was significantly higher among study group than control group (10.9% and 3.2% respectively, p < 0.001).

Term singleton nulliparous pregnant women with maternal height < 155 cm were not associated with a greater likelihood of caesarean section for CPD. However, mean birth weight was significantly lower and low birth weight was significantly increased among mothers with short stature.