Association between Pelvic Parameters and Vaginal Delivery

Cross-sectional study.

To investigate the association between vaginal delivery and pelvic parameters and clarify the effect of parity on parameter fluctuations.

During vaginal delivery, the sacroiliac joint widens and the sacrum nutates (nods). However, the association between these pelvic parameters and parity is unknown.

As part of a 2016 health screening, 320 female volunteers underwent whole-spine radiographs. Age-matched healthy women were grouped according to the number of vaginal deliveries (0, 1-2, or ≥3). Demographic variables and spinopelvic parameters were compared among the three groups.

Of the 320 volunteers, 213 were enrolled (mean age, 71.1±7.2 years). The mean number of vaginal deliveries was 2.2. The average pelvic incidence (PI) was 55.6°±11.1° and was significantly higher in the 90 women with three or more vaginal deliveries than in the other two groups (p<0.001). The average sacral slope was 33.4°±11.1° and was significantly higher in the women with three or more vaginal deliveries than in the 18 who did not deliver vaginally (p<0.001). The 105 women with one or two vaginal deliveries had significantly higher PIs and sacral slopes than did those who did not deliver vaginally (p<0.001).

This is the first study documenting an association between vaginal delivery and pelvic parameters. Bony birth canal realignment during vaginal delivery can affect postnatal PI. Our study helps in understanding the PI changes over a woman's life span.