cephalopelvic disproportion

disproportion /dis·pro·por·tion/ (dis″prah-por´shun) a lack of the proper relationship between two elements or factors.

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cephalopelvic disproportion  a condition in which the fetal head is too large for the mother's pelvis.

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Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)

The condition in which the baby's head is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis.

Mentioned in: Cesarean Section

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cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)

Etymology: Gk, kephale + L, pelvis, basin, dis, opposite of, proportio, similarity

an obstetric condition in which a baby's head is too large or a mother's birth canal too small to permit normal labor or birth. In relative CPD, the size of the baby's head is within normal limits but larger than average or the size of the mother's birth canal is within normal limits but smaller than average, or both; relative CPD is often overcome by molding of the head, the forces of labor, or the use of forceps to effect delivery. In absolute CPD, the baby's head is markedly or abnormally enlarged or the mother's birth canal is markedly or abnormally contracted, making vaginal delivery impossible. See also clinical pelvimetry, x-ray pelvimetry.

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cephalopelvic

pertaining to the head of the fetus and the pelvis of the dam.

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cephalopelvic disproportion

the head of the fetus is disproportionately large and will not pass through the pelvis of the dam. Caused usually by hydrocephalus.

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cephalopelvic disproportion

Obstetrics A structural and functional disparity between the fetus and the birth canal which makes vaginal delivery difficult or impossible. See Birth canal, Dystocia.