Cephalopelvic disproportion, or CPD, is a “passenger-fit” disparity that can occur during the labor and delivery process. The baby is the “passenger” who has to “fit” through the mother’s pelvic bones. Birth injuries can occur when CPD is misdiagnosed or handled incorrectly. Below, our Chicago birth injury attorneys discuss causes, risk factors, complications and injuries of cephalopelvic disproportion.
CPD occurs when the mother’s pelvic bones are unable to allow the baby to deliver through the vagina. The typical female pelvis is the gynecoid pelvis. It best accommodates delivery of a baby. CPD most often happens when the mother’s pelvis is shaped differently from the gynecoid pelvis. There are three other shapes of pelvises a woman can have that may make delivery of a baby very difficult, if not impossible. CPD is also likely when the baby is large, the baby’s head is turned a certain way, or a combination of the two exist.
Practitioners must assess CPD during the labor process. They assess CPD by determining:
Practitioners take measurements during a sterile vaginal exam.
CPD can be difficult to diagnose before labor starts. However, risk factors can be assessed prenatally. Risk factors may include:
CPD birth complications may include prolonged labor, especially in the second stage, for which the baby may not be able to tolerate. A prolonged second stage of labor is associated with:
A difficult delivery due to a “passenger-fit” mismatch between the baby and the mother’s pelvis can result in the following:
All these risk factors can contribute to lifelong injury.
Cesarean section is often recommended if the baby is not moving down in the pelvis and exhibits abnormal heart rate patterns. It is important to note that the use of vacuum or forceps when cephalopelvic disproportion is suspected is not advised.
Did your baby suffer an injury due to CPD birth complications? Please contact our Chicago birth injury lawyers to discuss your situation during a free consultation. Call us at (877) 262-9767 or fill out our confidential online contact form. We handle cases nationwide, with offices located in Chicago, New York and Wilmington, DE.
The following reviews from our clients do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of another legal matter. The cases mentioned in the reviews are illustrative of some of the matters previously handled by Grant & Eisenhofer involving various areas of birth injury law. These reviews are endorsements.
The following reviews from our clients do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of another legal matter. The cases mentioned in the reviews are illustrative of some of the matters previously handled by Grant & Eisenhofer involving various areas of birth injury law. These reviews are endorsements.