Pelvic anatomy is one of the determining factors whether the delivery process can be carried out normally or not. This is because the way the fetus exits from the uterus is influenced by the shape and size of the woman's pelvis.
Pelvic examination in early pregnancy is important to do, because some women have a pelvic anatomy that is not suitable for normal delivery. However, that does not mean that a normal vaginal delivery is impossible.
Knowing the anatomy of the pelvis can provide additional information on the risk of obstacles in the delivery process, so that various efforts can be made to reduce this risk.
Before knowing the shape of the female pelvis, let's know what organs are in it.
Anatomy of the female pelvis and the internal organs
The female pelvis is made up of various reproductive organs which include:
1. Pelvic bones and muscles
The bones and muscles of the pelvis play an important role in keeping the organs in the pelvic area, such as the intestines, bladder, and uterus, in place.
In women, this part plays a role in the process of pushing the baby out of the birth canal.
2. Vagina
The vagina is a canal that connects the cervix or cervix to the outside of the body. This channel acts as a place for menstrual blood to come out and a place for the penis to enter during sexual intercourse. In the process of childbirth, the vagina acts as a birth path for the baby.
3. Cervix
Cervix or cervix is the part that connects the vagina with the uterus. The cervix can be closed normally and open when a woman is menstruating or during childbirth.
4. womb
The uterus, also known as the uterus, is located in the middle of the pelvic cavity. This reproductive organ has various functions and one of them is as a place to accommodate the fertilized egg to develop into a fetus.
5. Endometrium
The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterine wall. In this layer the fertilized egg attaches, then grows and develops into a fetus. When fertilization does not occur, the endometrial lining will shed and come out with blood during menstruation.
6. Ovaries
The ovaries are female reproductive organs that produce eggs or oocytes. Women have two ovaries that are supported by membranes on the sides of the uterus.
7. Fallopian tube
The fallopian tubes are tubes that connect the ovaries and the uterus. This channel serves to direct the egg from the ovary to the uterus during ovulation and as a meeting place for the egg and sperm during the fertilization process.
Types of Pelvic Shapes and Their Effect on the Labor Process
In general, there are four forms of the female pelvis and each shape has its own influence on the delivery process. Here is the explanation:
platyloid
The platyloid is also known as the flat pelvis. In this type, the pelvic cavity is oval in shape, but flattened or widened to the side. This can cause the fetus to pass through the pelvis with the head crossed.
About 5% of women have this type of pelvis and most of them have to undergo a C-section during delivery.
Android
Actually this pelvic shape is classified as a male pelvic type, with a small pelvic cavity size and shape resembling a heart symbol.
In this type of pelvis, the pelvic bones protrude and the pelvic bony arches appear narrow. The shape of the android pelvis is also at risk of causing the labor process to stall.
Gynecoid
This type is the most common pelvic shape in women and is the best pelvic shape and is suitable for vaginal delivery. This is because the pelvic cavity is wide and wide, thus providing more room for the baby as it passes through the vagina.
anthropoid
The anthropoid pelvis is elongated and wider than the android pelvis. However, this form is still narrower than the gynecoid pelvis. Some pregnant women with this pelvic type can give birth vaginally, but generally the labor will last longer.
In addition to the shape and anatomy of the pelvis, there are several factors that can also affect the method of delivery, such as the condition of the mother and fetus during pregnancy, delivery history, and personal preferences.
Other factors, such as myomas or uterine fibroids, also determine the method of delivery. This is because soft tissue lumps in the pelvis can block the baby's birth canal.
A pelvic ultrasound is needed to evaluate the size and position of fibroids or other lumps in the pelvis.
Therefore, do a pelvic exam in early pregnancy to know the anatomy of your pelvis. Also, make sure you have regular prenatal checkups with your doctor in order to determine the safest delivery process.
