Does Symphysis Pubis Width Change During Labor?

Authors : Buğra ÇOŞKUN, Demet KOKANALI, Bora ÇOŞKUN, Burcu TİMUR, Ramazan Erda PAY, Ulaş FİDAN, Kazım Emre KARAŞAHİN

Pages : 121-125

Doi:10.19127/mbsjohs.627302

View : 25 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 2019-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objectives: The anatomical and dynamic structure of the pelvis is an important element in delivery.   During pregnancy, high progestorene and relaxin levels produce physiological ligament relaxation on the pelvis.  The suitability of pelvic diameters is important in performing vaginal delivery. In this study we aimed to determine whether there is any change in symphysis pubis width during delivery . Methods: This prospective observational study included 108 pregnant women who were at 37-42 weeks of gestation with cephalic presentation of a singleton pregnancy and were hospitalized for delivery. Symphysis pubis width was measured by transabdominal ultrasonography in each woman during the latent phase while cervical dilatation was 2 cm, the active phase while cervical dilatation was 6 cm and the second stage within one hour of complete cervical dilatation. Results: Symphysis pubis width value significantly increased as the labor progressed. Namely, the mean symphysis pubis width value measured in the latent phase was the smallest while the mean value in the second stage of the labor was the highest. In addition, birth weight of newborn was positively correlated each of symphysis pubis width values measured at all three different times. Conclusion: Symphysis pubis width increases as labor progresses. And this increase advances as the weig ht of newborn increases.
Keywords : symphysis pubis, ultrasonography, labor