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Urogynaecology
How much does the levator hiatus have to stretch during childbirth?
Article first published online: 1 SEP 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2009.02321.x
© 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © RCOG 2009 BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Issue
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 116, Issue 12, pages 1657–1662, November 2009
Additional Information
How to Cite
Svabík, K., Shek, K. and Dietz, H. (2009), How much does the levator hiatus have to stretch during childbirth?. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 116: 1657–1662. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2009.02321.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 9 OCT 2009
- Article first published online: 1 SEP 2009
- Accepted 5 May 2009. Published Online 1 September 2009.
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Avulsion;
- birth trauma;
- levator ani;
- levator hiatus;
- translabial ultrasound
Objective This study was designed to define the degree of stretch/strain required of the levator hiatus in childbirth. There have been attempts at defining the distension required for vaginal childbirth with the help of individual data sets, but from previous work it is clear that hiatal dimensions and distensibility are likely to vary greatly between individuals.
Design Retrospective observational study.
Setting Nepean Hospital, University of Sydney.
Population Nulliparous women at 36–38 week’s gestation.
Methods The ultrasound data sets of 227 nulliparous women examined at 36–38 week’s gestation were investigated using post-processing software. Minimal hiatal diameters, subpubic arch, circumference and area were measured at rest, on Valsalva and pelvic floor muscle contraction. To estimate required hiatal distension at vaginal birth we used neonatal biometric data obtained in a Caucasian population. The muscle ‘strain’ or ‘stretch ratio’ required to allow delivery of a Caucasian baby of average size was calculated from dimensions at rest and on maximal Valsalva.
Main outcome measures Degree of stretch/strain required of the levator hiatus in childbirth.
Results The mean strain (stretch ratio) required for vaginal delivery was calculated as 1.47 (range 0.62–2.76; SD 0.39) from resting length, and 1.07 (range 0.25–2.45; SD 0.44) when calculated from dimensions at maximal Valsalva. This implies that, from dimensions at maximal Valsalva, some women will have to distend only 25%, others by 245%
Conclusions We have obtained normative data for the required distension of the levator hiatus in a largely Caucasian population.