The Common Vein Copyright 2010
Definition
Cephalopelvic disproportion is a complication during labor caused by a small or narrow maternal pelvis.
The result is inability of the fetus to descend into the birth canal.
The structural changes are characterized by a narrow maternal pelvis that is too small to allow passage of the fetal head.
The functional changes are characterized by arrest of fetal descent during labor.
Women present clinically with this arrest of fetal descent, termed failure to progress.
Diagnosis is made based on the progression of labor and estimation of maternal pelvic outlet diameter on exam.
Although labor may be attempted in women with suspected cephalopelvic disproportion, treatment of failure to progress is often cesarean delivery.