Definition

Noun: * The measurement of the dimensions and shape of the pelvis, specifically the bony birth canal, typically performed to assess its adequacy for a vaginal delivery.

Usage

Pelvimetry is a clinical or radiological procedure. It is used as a diagnostic tool in obstetrics to evaluate the size and structure of a pregnant person's pelvis in relation to the size of the fetus, helping to predict the likelihood of a successful vaginal birth.

Examples

• The obstetrician ordered pelvimetry to rule out cephalopelvic disproportion.
• Pelvimetry can be performed using clinical examination techniques or with imaging such as X-ray or MRI.
• The results of the pelvimetry indicated a gynecoid pelvis, which is favorable for delivery.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical pelvimetry: Refers to the assessment of pelvic dimensions through physical examination by a healthcare provider.
• X-ray pelvimetry or CT pelvimetry: Refers to the measurement of the pelvis using radiographic imaging techniques. Due to radiation exposure, these are now less common and often replaced by MRI when detailed imaging is required.

Variants and Related Words

• Pelvimeter (noun): The instrument used to measure the pelvis.
• Cephalopelvimetry (noun): The combined assessment of fetal head size and maternal pelvic dimensions.

Synonyms

• Pelvic measurement
• Pelvic assessment

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): A condition where the baby's head is too large to pass through the mother's pelvis, which pelvimetry aims to assess.
• Obstetrical conjugate: A specific diameter of the pelvic inlet that is a key measurement in pelvimetry.

Noun

1. measurement of the dimensions of the bony birth canal (to determine whether vaginal birth is possible)