Which factors can contribute to cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)?

Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) refers to a situation during labor where the size of the baby's head is too large to pass through the mother's pelvis. The correct answer highlights that CPD can be influenced by a combination of the dimensions of the fetal head and the maternal pelvis.

The size and shape of the fetal head, including factors like the circumference and molding capacity of the skull, play a critical role. Simultaneously, the anatomy of the maternal pelvis is crucial; variations in pelvic shape, size, and orientation can significantly affect how easily a baby can navigate through the birth canal. This interplay between the fetal head and maternal pelvis is essential in determining whether delivery can be accomplished vaginally or if a cesarean section may be necessary.

Other options do not encompass the complexity of CPD. For example, while the baby's size is a contributing factor, it alone does not account for the role of the mother's pelvic dimensions. Maternal age and weight can influence birth outcomes but do not specifically indicate the relationship between the baby's head size and the pelvis size, which is central to the concept of CPD. Pelvic floor exercises are beneficial for supporting labor and delivery but are not a direct contributing factor to disproportion between the fetus and