The act of measuring the pelvis, especially to see if the internal ring is wide enough for a baby to pass through in childbirth.
Measurement of the dimensions of the bony birth canal, done to determine whether vaginal birth is possible.
Manual measurement or X-ray study of the pelvic bones to determine if the space is adequate for giving birth.
Measurement of the pelvis, usually during labor, to ensure that the fetus will be able to pass through the birth canal safely. Most women can be assessed by the doctor and do not need pelvimetry studies. For those who do, several techniques are available: X ray, ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scanning, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are all used in pelvimetry. CT and MRI are particularly accurate, although predictions on the outcome of delivery have generally been unreliable.
The measurement of the four internal diameters of the pelvis (transverse, anteroposterior, left oblique, and right oblique). Pelvimetry helps in determining whether it will be possible for a fetus to be delivered in the normal way. Abnormality of the outlet of the pelvis may be an indication for cesarean section.
Measurement of the internal dimensions of the pelvis. The four diameters measured are: transverse, anterioposterior, and left and right oblique. These measurements help to establish whether a fetus can be delivered normally. If the outlet is abnormally small, the mother will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Measurement of the pelvic dimensions or proportions, a technique which was formerly thought to be useful in obstetrics.
Evaluation of the configuration and measurements of a woman’s pelvic structure. Pelvimetry can be conducted a few weeks prior to childbirth to assess the likelihood of complications during vaginal delivery. This process can also take place after an unsuccessful vaginal delivery followed by a cesarean section, aiding in the strategizing of future pregnancies and deliveries.
Medical professionals can estimate the dimensions of the pelvic outlet by manually assessing the distance between the ischial tuberosities (prominent bones in the lower pelvis) during a pelvic examination. For more precise details, an X-ray of the pelvis can be taken, and measurements can be derived from the resulting image. Nonetheless, extensive exposure to X-rays during pregnancy could elevate the risk of future leukemia or other cancers in the unborn child. Therefore, this procedure is employed only under exceptional circumstances.