Influence of maternal height on mode of delivery in Nigerian women

To determine the influence of maternal height on the mode of delivery even when matched for maternal characteristics. The study is a prospective cohort study comparing the mode of delivery in 57 short stature women (d"150 cm) with age and parity-matched, taller control women (n = 57).

A total of 114 parturients were studied, 57 of whom had a height of 150 cm or lower and constituted the study group, while the other 57 taller women were matched with respect to parity (i.e. belonging to same parity group of either nulliparity, para 1-3, para 4+) and maternal age group (i.e. <20, 20-34, 35+ years) to the shorter women and constituted the control group. Patients were also matched by gestational age (28-37 weeks, 38-42 weeks, 42+ weeks) and birth weight (<2500g, 2500-3999g, 4000+) groupings.

Caesarean section rate in the short women was higher (42.1%) than in taller women (21.1%), P= 0.016, as was the incidence of cephalopelvic disproportion (35.5% versus 10.3% respectively, P = 0.010). Nevertheless, neonatal outcome remains good; the 5-min Apgar score <7 was 21.1% versus 15.8% respectively, P =0.469, while the stillbirth rate was 10.5% versus 7.0), P = 0.508.

Short stature is independently associated with an increased risk of intrapartum caesarean section in Nigerian women and advocate early recourse to caesarean section to avoid undue delay.