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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. I am a small woman. I am 2 months pregnant and still only weigh 100 lbs, my normal weight. My waist is 22 in. and I'm only 5 ft. tall. Am I more than likely going to have a c-section since my hips are so small?

A. Being petite myself I can answer you easily: Not in the least! At least not for your size! The size your hips seem to be is not representative of the size of your pelvis inside. The hips are actually known as the false pelvis---their size has no bearing on the baby's passage. Below the hips is the true pelvis, bordered by your pubic bone, sacrum and ischial bones---these are the measurements that count. Small women can have good deep pelvises, even though it seems like they have small (or almost non-existent) hips. Another reason why size does not matter is that the pelvis is not fused. There are fibrous joints connecting the bones of the pelvis. The hormones of pregnancy soften these joints, allowing them to move apart and be flexible during the birth. Certain positions in labor maximize space even further (like squatting and other upright positions.) So all things being equal, you are just as likely to deliver vaginally as your taller sisters!

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.