Relevance of clinical pelvimetry to obstetric practice in developing countries.

The outcome of labour in 177 Nigerian primigravidae in whom clinical pelvic assessment was performed before delivery, is studied. No significant difference occurred in the mode of delivery for the rank of the pelvic assessors (consultants or resident doctors) at x = 0.05. No significant difference also occurred in the incidence of caesarean section between the pelvic assessed and the unassessed patients, and between those whose pelves were assessed adequate and those assessed inadequate. One-minute Apgar scores were significantly higher for fetuses delivered of women with adequate pelves compared to those with (i) borderline pelves (Z = 3.46, p < 0.001), (ii) unassessed pelves (Z = 2.84, p < 0.005) and (iii) the not adequate pelves-borderline and inadequate (Z = 3.04, p < 0.005), thereby conferring a predictive role on Apgar scores to clinical pelvimetry. The procedure is cost-free and requires minimal guidance to perfect. Its continued practice in routine ante-natal care in developing countries is therefore advocated.