Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) is a condition in childbirth where the baby’s head (cephalo-) is too large or the mother’s pelvis is too small (or both) to allow the baby to pass safely through the birth canal.
In simpler terms:
CPD means the baby cannot fit through the mother’s pelvis during labor.
Causes of CPD
Large baby (macrosomia), often due to diabetes or post-term pregnancy
Small or abnormally shaped maternal pelvis
Malpresentation (baby’s head not well-flexed, e.g., brow or face presentation)
Abnormal fetal positions (e.g., occiput posterior)
When is it suspected?
Labor does not progress despite strong contractions
Cervical dilation stops or slows markedly
Baby does not descend into the birth canal
Management
Careful monitoring during labor
Trial of labor if conditions are borderline
Cesarean section if labor fails to progress or CPD is diagnosed
