Cephalopelvimetry is a medical term used to measure the capacity of a woman's pelvis to deliver a child. The word is spelled using a combination of Latin and Greek roots. The first part, "cephalo," refers to the head, while "pelvi" refers to the pelvis. The suffix "-metry" is derived from the Greek word "metron," meaning measure. To pronounce this word correctly, using IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˌsɛfəloʊpɛlviˈmɛtri/. Overall, Cephalopelvimetry is an important term used in obstetrics and gynecology.
Cephalopelvimetry is a medical term that refers to a diagnostic procedure used to measure the size and shape of the maternal pelvis, specifically the pelvic inlet and outlet, in order to predict the likelihood of a safe vaginal delivery. It is primarily performed by obstetricians and midwives to assess the compatibility between the size of the woman's pelvis and the size of the baby's head during delivery.
During cephalopelvimetry, various measurements are taken to evaluate the dimensions of the bony structures in the pelvic region, including the internal and external pelvic diameters. These measurements are often obtained using imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By analyzing these measurements and comparing them to established reference values, healthcare professionals can estimate the adequacy of the pelvis for childbirth.
Cephalopelvimetry has been used for many years as a valuable tool for obstetricians in providing information about the likelihood of a successful vaginal birth. It aids in assessing potential risks, such as cephalopelvic disproportion, where the baby's head is too large to pass safely through the birth canal. This information helps healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding the mode of delivery, whether it be through a normal vaginal birth or a cesarean section.
While cephalopelvimetry has been widely utilized in the past, it is now considered a less common procedure due to advancements in obstetric care and the availability of alternative methods for assessing pelvic dimensions. Nevertheless, it remains an important tool in specific cases where concerns about vaginal delivery arise, allowing healthcare professionals to plan and manage the safest and most appropriate delivery method for both the mother and the baby.
The word "cephalopelvimetry" has Greek roots. It is derived from two Greek components: "cephalo", meaning "head", and "pelvi", meaning "pelvis". The suffix "-metry" is from the Greek word "metria", which refers to measurement. Therefore, "cephalopelvimetry" is the measurement of the head and pelvis, specifically used in obstetrics to evaluate the suitability of the mother's pelvis for vaginal delivery based on the size of the baby's head.