ABSTRACT
The female pelvis is adapted for childbearing and, owing to its features, does not cause any problems in labour if the pelvis is adequate and the baby’s size is normal.
The pelvic brim or inlet The pelvic brim is the inlet of the pelvis and is bounded anteriorly by the symphysis pubis (the joint separating the two pubic bones), on each side by the upper
Labour and delivery is the focus and climax of the reproductive process. It is both a physical and emotional challenge for the mother. There is interplay between the ‘powers’ of the uterus (the contractions), the ‘passages’ of the birth canal (the bony pelvis and the soft tissues of the pelvic floor and perineum) and the ‘passenger’ (the fetus). Each contraction promotes dilatation of the uterine cervix and descent of the fetus.
