Association of Maternal Height with Mode of Delivery and Perinatal Outcome

Abstract

Background: Maternal height has been for long a contributory anthropometric factor that can determine the obstetric outcome. There is always a need of a consistent, reliable, and simple risk indicator which is easy to use for preventing unnecessary complications in a country like India where often antenatal care is provided by dais in rural areas. The background of this research aims to ascertain the relationship between maternal height and mode of delivery based on other intrapartum factors which influence labor and consequent maternal and neonatal outcome. Materials and Methods: All primigravidae at term gestation (>37 weeks) with cephalic presentation on admission to labor suite with no other comorbidities were recruited in the study. Their mode of delivery, maternal outcome, along with neonatal outcome was documented. Results: Out of the 680 patients, 104 patients are considered for the short-stature group (15.29%) who were <150 cm in height. Other group comprised patients who were >150 cm in height, a total of 576 (84.71%). There was a higher incidence of induced labor in the study group (66.35%) and emergency lower-segment cesarean section done due to cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) (60%) was also higher among the short-stature group. The incidence of normal labor (32.99%) was higher in the tall-stature group. Conclusion: Short height (<150 cm) is an independent risk factor for cesarean delivery due to CPD. Statistical correlation was found between mothers of short stature and babies being born with low birth weight. As labor is influenced by multiple factors, it is fair enough to give a trial of labor for short primigravidae except in uncommon circumstances.