Maternal Height and Weight Gain during Pregnancy as Risk Factors for Cesarean Section

Maternal height, maternal weight, infant weight, and maternal weight gain during pregnancy were examined as factors associated with the likelihood of delivery by cesarean section for cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). Sixty-four women, delivered by cesarean section for CPD, were compared with matched controls who delivered vaginally. The only factor associated with an increased risk of cesarean section for CPD was short stature: women shorter than 63 inches were 4.9 times more likely to have CPD than taller women.