Pelvic girdle: adaptation for childbirth & clinical

Question 1

what do the majority of women have? (type of pelvis)

Answer 1

The majority of women have a gynaecoid pelvis

Question 2

which type of pelvis do male have?

Answer 2

android pelvis

Question 3

what is main difference between gynaecoid pelvis (F) and android pelvis (male)?

Answer 3

The slight differences in their structures creates a greater pelvic outlet, adapted to aid the process of childbirth

Question 4

structure of gynaecoid pelvis?

Answer 4

A wider and broader structure, lighter in weight

Question 5

shape of pelvic inlet of gynaecoid pelvis?

Answer 5

oval-shaped

Question 6

shape of pelvic inlet of android pelvis?

Answer 6

heart-shaped

Question 7

significance of ischial spine in gynaecoid pelvis?

Answer 7

Less prominent ischial spines, allowing for a greater bispinous diameter

Question 8

sub-pubic arch in gynaecoid pelvis?

Answer 8

A greater angled sub-pubic arch, more than 80-90 degrees

Question 9

significance of sacrum in gynaecoid pelvis (compared to android pelvis)?

Answer 9

A sacrum which is shorter, more curved and with a less pronounced sacral promontory

Question 10

other features of gynaecoid pelvis adapted for childbirth aside from bony adaptations?

Answer 10

the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments can stretch under the influence of progesterone and increase the size of the pelvic outlet further

Question 11

what does the foetus pass through during childbirth?

Answer 11

The lesser pelvis is the bony canal through which the foetus has to pass during childbirth

Question 12

what requires to be measured to determine the childbearing capacity of the mother

Answer 12

determine the diameter of the lesser pelvis (bony canal) - the childbearing capacity of the mother

Question 13

how can the diameter of the lesser pelvis (bony canal) be determined?

Answer 13

The diameter can be determined by a pelvic examination or radiographically

Question 14

which 2 measurements are of significance when determining the diameter of the lesser pelvis (bony canal)?

Answer 14

Obstetric Conjugate

Diagonal Conjugate

Question 15

what is significant about obstetric conjugate in childbirth?

Answer 15

used to determine the narrowest fixed distance that the foetus would have to negotiate

Question 16

how do you measure for the obstetric conjugate?

Answer 16

the minimum antero-posterior diameter of the pelvic inlet is measured

Question 17

which distance is the obstetric conjugate?

Answer 17

This distance is between the sacral promontory and the midpoint of the pubic symphysis (where the pubic bone is thickest) and is known as the obstetric conjugate (or true conjugate)

Question 18

can the obstetric conjugate be measured? why?

Answer 18

However, this measurement cannot be taken clinically, due to the presence of the bladder

Question 19

what is the diagonal conjugate?

Answer 19

the alternative, measuring from the inferior border of the pubic symphysis to the sacral promontory

Question 20

how can the diagonal conjugate be measured?

Answer 20

can be measured manually via the vagina

Question 21

how do you measure the diagonal conjugate?

Answer 21

To do this you use the tip of your middle finger to measure the sacral promontory and then using the other hand to mark the level of the inferior margin of the pubic symphysis on the examining hand. You then use the distance between the index finger and the pubic symphysis to measure the obstetric conjugate

Question 22

what is the ideal measurement of the diagonal conjugate?

Answer 22

ideally 11cm or greater

Question 23

in addition to measuring the diagonal conjugate, what is carried out?

Answer 23

a mid-pelvis check is carried out

Question 24

how do you carry out a mid-pelvis check?

Answer 24

the clinician is testing for straight side walls and measuring the bispinous diameter

Question 25

what is the narrowest part of the pelvic canal?

Answer 25

mid-pelvis check:

bispinous diameter

Question 26

how can the width of the subpubic angle at the pelvic outlet be determined?

Answer 26

by the distance between the ischial tuberosities