Has anyone been told they have a narrow pelvis?

Lynn - posted on 08/31/2011

After ny first emergency c-sec i was xrayed and told i had a small pelvis. Hard to believe being 5'8" and a large build! I had a trial of labour for #2, a second induction, second emergency c-sec. Third baby was elective epidural c-sec. Nine years later, older and wiser, successful homebirth of 9lb baby girl after normal 12 hour labour. A pelvis is not an objective measurement, pregnancy changes your body, makes your ligaments more flexible. You have every chance of a vaginal delivery, if you find a more supportive doctor ; ) you can do it!

Laressa - posted on 07/25/2011

At 12 weeks I would not worry too much. The hormones in the next few months will likely open up your pelvis. The reason most moms waddle by late pregnancy is because their hips are so loose.



I was told after 23 hours of labour that my pelvis was quite narrow. That it had been a trial of labour all along. The baby was on her side- not an optimal position for birthing. But since I was fully dilated they said they would let me push 3/4 hour. Well I was NOT settling for a c section after going thru all that! I pushed like crazy and sure enough my baby girl arrived 3/4 later. If you follow a very healthy diet-- lots of vegetables, limit fats and sweets there is a good chance your baby will be small enough to be born vaginally. Also try various positions in labour and delivery.



I personally like the Bradley method for labour. I recommend studying all you can and prepare yourself for labour. In educating yourself you may find ideas that will help the baby move down. Listen to your body in labour as you and baby work together and are tuned to each other you will know what to do. It is a good idea for any woman to be open to the idea of a c section. A birth plan should never be written in stone. Relax and go with the flow.

Wendy - posted on 04/26/2009

Currently I am not opposed to either method. This is my first pregnancy so everything seems very scary. I really appreciate everyone's comments. If anyone has anymore first pregnancy suggestions, I would love to hear them!

Maria - posted on 04/26/2009

I was told I had a narrow pelvis, which I thought was a joke then, since I have big hips and big rear-end. LOL But, sure enough, my first born took 9 hours labor. Of course, I'm only 5'1" and my son weighed at 8.2 lbs, but he came through for me, natural labor and all. My second one was breach,12 lbs and got stuck at the birth canal, so there was no option other than an emergency CS.

Kara - posted on 04/26/2009

I was only about 100 pounds and very petite when I got pregnant with my daughter... The doctor did tell me that my pelvis was very narrow, and he made me aware that most women will widen enough for the baby throughout the birth process... My doctor had a surgery room preped and ready for me shortly after I arrived at the hospital. Only a few hours later I delivered my nearly seven pound baby naturally. It is just a precaution to make sure they aren't running around at the last minute with an emergency c-section on their hands. good luck!

Erin - posted on 04/26/2009

Yes! I was also told I had a narrow pelvis. I was in labor for 14 hours, and over 2 hours of pushing. I gave birth to a 8lb 13oz baby boy by c section. He was just too big and my pelvis was too small. I had NO problems with my c section and the recovery was really speedy. Good Luck !!! :)

Chantel - posted on 04/26/2009

Quoting TanJa:

yes, I too was told I had a narrow pelvis, but my midwife made me try to deliver the baby anyway, after being in labor for 4 hrs and pushing for 3 & 1/2 they finally took her thru C- sec... I would just go the C-sec route and save the pain of having your baby get STUCK like mine did!!!

I'm so sorry that this was your birth experience.  It sounds like you and your midwife were not on the same page at all!  It is really important that the birthing mother not be "made" to consent, but rather be listened to and given the option to choose what is best for her and her baby.

It is possible that you truly have CPD and your baby was stuck on your pelvis, however it is also possible that there was other issues involved. 

I had a client who pushed for 5 hours after a very smooth labor.  We tried everything, ever position, every possible option available.  However, when she stared having placental pains during pushing we knew enough was enough.  Turns out, baby had short cord up over her shoulder, so the cord was preventing her birth.  The mom went on to VBAC her next 3 children and never had another issue.

There is so much more involved, and the mother more than anyone knows her body and her baby.  Your midwife should have listened to you!  Then again, I believe she should never have told you that your pelvis was inadequate in the first place because we truly never know until birth and it causes unnecessary fear and concern!

Vanessa - posted on 04/25/2009

Quoting Vanessa:

most chances are you body will grow a baby that you are capable of birthing.
don't let this deter you :)

also.....

look up some infomation on "optimal fetal positioning".

help your baby to get into the best position for birth.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

never trust the opinion of ONE care provider.  at your gestation, you have heaps of time to do your homework and "shop" around.

you are the "consumer" of health care. get the type of care you want.

i agree with the other lady......if you are happy with surgical birth, maybe the current doctor is okay for you......if you are uncomfortable with surgical birth, choose another care provider.

the type of care provider you choose will hugely impact the type of birth you have.

good luck

TanJa - posted on 04/25/2009

yes, I too was told I had a narrow pelvis, but my midwife made me try to deliver the baby anyway, after being in labor for 4 hrs and pushing for 3 & 1/2 they finally took her thru C- sec... I would just go the C-sec route and save the pain of having your baby get STUCK like mine did!!!

Arista - posted on 04/25/2009

I was told that I have a narrow pelvis too... I did have a c-section, but not because I couldn't deliver vaginally, but because it was an emergency. With my current pregnancy, my doctor gave me the option for a VBAC, still reminding me of the size and position of my pelvis. However, I chose for another section with this pregnancy. If it's a vaginal delivery you want, talk to your doc about it, and what steps you can take to make this wish a reality. Best of luck to you!

Amanda - posted on 04/25/2009

With my first son I was told nothing, I pushed(and I mean literally pushed) for 6 straight hours. I was one push away froman emergency c-section, she very poorly and roughly ripped to get him out. With my second, and with a new doctor, I was told the same, but that I also had a mis-shaped pelvis(its not completely circular). I was allowed either option since i had once before had a natural child birth. I had a c-section at 37 weeks and I nearly lost my son. He was life lighted to a larger hospital. I later became preggers again. We wanted to go natural, but due to scheduling differences, went c-section again. Not as bad, but baby had some troubles again. I do think weighing all the options is a good idea. Recovery is nothing, in my opinion. But i heal well and fast. I also think that if your doctor is telling you this, you really need to take note on all he or she is saying. YOur baby does not kow that you have a narrow pelvis. He or she will grow how they feel, and maybe they wont be able to finagle their way out.

Chantel - posted on 04/25/2009

It is technically impossible to tell if your pelvis will prevent birth of your baby until your baby is being born. Vaginal birth depends on the passenger, meaning how the baby rotates, how the baby flexes their head and how much molding the baby's head allows - the powers, how strong are your contractions - along with pelvis, and since relaxin (a hormone) effects different women different ways, it is possible that your pelvis will easily allow the birth of your baby - position. With a narrow pelvic outlet (if it truly is) or when a baby has difficulty rotating hands and knees position and squatting allows for the pelvis to take the largest angle possible!



My first reaction is why on earth is your provider talking about surgical birth with a healthy mother and baby!!!! Which leads me to believe that your provider is extremely comfortable with surgical birth and not so comfortable with vaginal birth. Even if your providers "allows" you the option of vaginal birth, if she is uncomfortable with mother lead birthing it is possible that she will interfere and initiate surgical birth anyway. You can watch for possible diagnosis of elevated blood pressure (leading to induction or surgical birth) and diagnosis of large for gestation age (also leading to induction and surgical birth) or other possible reason for induction that are medically warranted.



There are very few medical reasons for induction and even fewer for non emergent surgical birth. A "narrow" pelvis is not a medical reason for a non emergent induction.



Have you thought about looking for a provider who is more comfortable with mother lead birthing and informed consent? It is your right to be in charge of your medical care and your right to consent or refuse to any and all suggested intervention, whether your doctor agrees with your decisions or not. It is up to you!



This is a huge warning sign of active management. If you appreciate this style of care, then this provider may be the right fit for you, but if you have questions or doubts, confront your provider with them, expect direct and informed answers and don't hesitate to switch to a provider who is willing to meet your needs and wants for your birth.



You are the consumer, you pay your doctor for their specialty opinions, however the choice is yours. You can not be forced, coerced or threatened into consenting! You are in charge!

Elizabeth - posted on 04/25/2009

With my first child, I was told the same thing as you. I had preeclampsia, and she was born 5.5 lbs and had a vaginal delivery. I pushed four times. I'm 38 wks 4 days pregnant with my second girl, and was told by the doctor we go to now that we'll take it how it come. My ultrasound 2 days ago said that this one is 7.5 lbs, so we'll have to wait to see. I have had a testbook pregnancy this time. Don't worry about it and things will be just fine.

Sarah - posted on 04/25/2009

i didnt get told i had a narrow pelvis but i had c section anyway only cause my babe was was strugglin to get out, but she was fine in the end, u never know whats gonna happen, u ust got to go wiv what they tell u really and everything will be okay cause they know wot they r doin! : )

Adrienne - posted on 04/25/2009

I found out the hard way, during the birth of my second daughter. It ended up being a difficult labor and I almost lost her because she got stuck. It was too late for a c section because her head was just about out. The cord was on around her neck so it was scary for a while. The doctor literally reached in and got her. She said no more vaginal deliveries. My second baby was bigger maybe that's why the first wasn't as tough. She was 8lb. 9oz. If the c section is an option, I would consider it especially if the baby is over 8 pounds.

Melissa - posted on 04/25/2009

I was told i had a narrow pelvis and after pushing for 2 hours with my 1st daughter i had a c-section. She came out at 7lbs 10ozs. I guess it depends on the person everyone is different.

Sarah - posted on 04/25/2009

My son was 7 lbs 11 oz and I am 5ft 8in. I had a pelvis that he would not fit through (after pushing for three hours) and I had a c-section. It was not as scary having a c-section as people may try to tell you. I am expecting identical twins in July and will have another c-section.

Vanessa - posted on 04/25/2009

most chances are you body will grow a baby that you are capable of birthing.

don't let this deter you :)

Chelsea - posted on 04/25/2009

I was told I had a narrow pelvis. My doctor said a c-section was a possibility. It all depends on the size of the baby. I gave birth naturally to a 7 1/2 pound baby. If you want a natural birth, make sure you stress that to your OB. If you want, get a second opinion on things.

Chantel - posted on 04/26/2009

Quoting TanJa:

yes, I too was told I had a narrow pelvis, but my midwife made me try to deliver the baby anyway, after being in labor for 4 hrs and pushing for 3 & 1/2 they finally took her thru C- sec... I would just go the C-sec route and save the pain of having your baby get STUCK like mine did!!!

I'm so sorry that this was your birth experience.  It sounds like you and your midwife were not on the same page at all!  It is really important that the birthing mother not be "made" to consent, but rather be listened to and given the option to choose what is best for her and her baby.

It is possible that you truly have CPD and your baby was stuck on your pelvis, however it is also possible that there was other issues involved. 

I had a client who pushed for 5 hours after a very smooth labor.  We tried everything, ever position, every possible option available.  However, when she stared having placental pains during pushing we knew enough was enough.  Turns out, baby had short cord up over her shoulder, so the cord was preventing her birth.  The mom went on to VBAC her next 3 children and never had another issue.

There is so much more involved, and the mother more than anyone knows her body and her baby.  Your midwife should have listened to you!  Then again, I believe she should never have told you that your pelvis was inadequate in the first place because we truly never know until birth and it causes unnecessary fear and concern!

TanJa - posted on 04/25/2009

yes, I too was told I had a narrow pelvis, but my midwife made me try to deliver the baby anyway, after being in labor for 4 hrs and pushing for 3 & 1/2 they finally took her thru C- sec... I would just go the C-sec route and save the pain of having your baby get STUCK like mine did!!!

Arista - posted on 04/25/2009

I was told that I have a narrow pelvis too... I did have a c-section, but not because I couldn't deliver vaginally, but because it was an emergency. With my current pregnancy, my doctor gave me the option for a VBAC, still reminding me of the size and position of my pelvis. However, I chose for another section with this pregnancy. If it's a vaginal delivery you want, talk to your doc about it, and what steps you can take to make this wish a reality. Best of luck to you!