Childbearing Hips: Can Pelvic Shape Affect Childbirth?

You may be familiar with the term 'childbearing hips' to describe someone with a wider or larger pelvic structure. In reality, there's more to it than one may realize. At least four main types of pelvic structures can influence a person's ability to carry and birth a child. Other factors can also impact pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

What are 'childbearing hips'?

When someone refers to a woman as having childbearing hips, they are alluding to a wider or larger pelvic structure. Some cultures may regard this as a sign of fertility. The person may be expected to be a 'natural' and have an easier time delivering babies. Conversely, someone with smaller hips may be viewed as having difficulty birthing children.

Scientifically, this adage is not true. Whether or not you have birthing hips, the body makes many changes during pregnancy and childbirth, naturally preparing for the baby to move through the birth canal.

Childbearing hips typically refer to a woman's pelvic anatomy, not the hips. The pelvis is a basin-like, bony structure that protects and supports different organs. This includes the uterus, where the baby develops. Muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues help hold the pelvis together, providing stability for movement. During pregnancy and childbirth, the body releases hormones to help pelvis joints and ligaments relax and open.

Are wide hips optimal for childbearing?

Some theories may suggest that wider pelvises are more favorable for childbearing. The baby's head may descend more easily into the pelvis with more space. The faster the baby's head is engaged in the pelvis, the shorter the labor will be.

However, the scientific evidence on this is limited. The research on this subject usually focuses on the broader spectrum of labor and delivery. It doesn't isolate the pelvis structure as the sole determinant of ease of birth. In other words, more factors affect childbirth than the width of the hips.

Traditional types of pelvic shapes

Traditionally, it was believed that four types of pelvic shapes influenced childbearing: gynecoid, anthropoid, android, and platypelloid. This is known as the Caldwell-Moloy classification system, developed in the 1930s.

Current experts challenge this classification, suggesting that it is not rooted in evidence and can lead to maternal health disparities.

In a study published in Women and Birth, a peer-reviewed midwifery journal, researchers used computer tomography to scan 64 female and 51 male pelvises. They concluded that the shape of the pelvis is amorphous and could not be categorized into four distinct types.

Considering that this classification may still be found in literature and practice, let's examine the four traditional types of pelvic shapes.

Gynecoid pelvis

A gynecoid pelvis is characterized as being wide and shallow. This shape is associated with easier vaginal delivery, as the spacious inlet would make it easier for the baby to pass through the pelvis. A gynecoid pelvis is a common shape. It's usually what people mean when they describe childbearing hips.

Anthropoid pelvis

The anthropoid pelvis is wider from front to back rather than left to right. This shape has a narrower transverse (side-to-side) diameter than a gynecoid pelvis. Sometimes, a person with an anthropoid pelvis may have a more prolonged labor. However, this is generally not associated with delivery complications. If you have an anthropoid pelvis, the doctor or midwife may ask you to move more, walk, or change birthing positions to help smoothen delivery.

Android pelvis

A narrower overall structure and a heart-shaped pelvic inlet characterize the android pelvis. This may make it more difficult for babies to progress down the birth canal. Even though more difficult labor may be anticipated, expectant mothers with android pelvises are still capable of having vaginal childbirth.

If you have an android pelvis, the doctor may encourage you to move more or push harder. In the rare occasion when obstructed labor may occur, the doctor may present the option of a Cesarean section.

Platypelloid pelvis

The platypelloid pelvis is one of the more narrow and flat structures. This may play a role in a more difficult childbirth since it can take longer for the baby to enter the pelvis. A platypelloid pelvis differs from an android pelvis because it has a wider subpubic arch. This means that labor may get easier once the baby enters the pelvis.

The doctor may recommend prenatal exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles to prepare for childbirth. Certain positions during labor, such as a kneeling squat or semi-lithotomy (legs raised), may also help enlarge the pelvis opening.

Other factors that influence childbearing

There are many factors that influence childbearing. These may include the baby's size and position, the mother's health and fitness, and the feeling of safety during labor.

Baby's size and position

Your baby's size can affect the type of birth you may have. Even a woman with a wider pelvic shape can have a difficult delivery. A baby that is larger than typical ranges and pelvic dimensions may contribute to complicated labor — just as a more narrow pelvis may present challenges for a baby of typical size.

Fortunately, newborn babies have flexible head sutures that can overlap. This enables their heads, the largest part of their bodies, to fit and pass through the birth canal, usually without complications. In other words, the baby will try to adjust to the size of the mother's pelvis during labor.

A baby's position also plays a major role in the ease of delivery. Typically, you want the baby in a position that is:

• Head-down
• Facing the mother's back
• Spine parallel to the maternal spine
• Chin tucked with arms folded

If the baby's head is down but facing the mother's front, progressing during labor can be more difficult. Specific exercises or positions during pregnancy may help nudge the baby into an optimal birthing position. If the baby presents with its feet or bottom first (breech position), an obstetrician may, in some situations, try the external cephalic version (ECV), a noninvasive procedure to try to rotate the baby from the outside.

Mother's health and fitness

The mother's health can influence the birthing experience. Birthing requires strength and energy, and having the stamina to withstand it requires good health. It is essential to take care of yourself throughout pregnancy and exercise regularly to help prepare for birth.

The mother's position also affects the progress of labor. A systematic review published in the Cochrane Library concluded that walking and upright positions may reduce labor duration, the risk of cesarean delivery, and the need for an epidural in women with low-risk labor. As long as you don't have restrictions from your provider, moving around and changing positions may be helpful. It can be difficult to move during contractions since they are painful but try to relax and breathe steadily as much as possible. You can also try changing positions and moving between contractions if that is easier.

The importance of feeling safe during labor

A qualitative study of 14 women in Spain studied the childbirth experience of expectant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of information, changing protocols, and fear of the virus negatively impacted their experiences. However, the participants shared that the medical team provided a safe experience during labor, which helped them better concentrate on the birthing process.

The study highlights how it is essential for mothers to feel safe during labor. If you are surrounded by people who make you uncomfortable or the circumstances are stressful, your body may tense up, making it hard for labor to progress. On the contrary, being surrounded by supportive, loving people in a calm environment may help your body relax and go into labor more smoothly.

How to prepare your body for childbirth

Pregnancy may come with new aches and pains, nausea and vomiting, appetite changes, and trouble sleeping — just to name a few. Even though these discomforts may be considered normal, there are ways to strengthen and nourish your body to best prepare for childbirth.

Pelvic floor muscle exercises

Pelvic floor muscles work harder during pregnancy. They are often subject to increased strain to support the growing baby, leading to muscle weakness, pain, and incontinence. Pelvic floor muscle training (known as Kegel exercises) may help shorten the second stage of labor and reduce severe tears in the perineum. It is also used to treat urinary incontinence, which women may experience during or after having a baby.

Here are the steps for pelvic floor muscle training:

1. Starting from a relaxed position, take a deep breath.
2. Exhale and gently squeeze the pelvic floor muscles (like you're stopping peeing midstream).
3. Hold for three to five seconds, then relax.

Start with a few at a time and work your way up to 20–30 times daily, spread throughout the day. Before attempting any exercises, consult with your healthcare provider. Ask if you are doing the exercises properly because doing them incorrectly may result in potential health issues.

Nutrition and wellness tips

A healthy lifestyle matters even more when you are expecting. Your body may also need extra calories and certain nutrients to keep you and your baby healthy. Consider these nutrition and wellness tips:

• Eat more nutritious, wholesome foods and make healthy snack choices.
• Take a prenatal supplement and follow your healthcare provider's advice for the specific nutrient needs.
• Avoid raw, rare, and unpasteurized products to reduce the chances of bacterial contamination.
• Limit sugary and caffeinated drinks, and avoid any alcohol.
• Remain physically active. Plan for activities you'd like to do, such as walking or joining a prenatal exercise class.

Final thoughts on childbearing hips

Whether or not you have childbearing hips, take comfort in knowing that the body will naturally prepare for childbirth. Pregnancy hormones will help make more room for the baby by loosening pelvic joints, ligaments, and muscles. Other factors, such as the baby's size and position and the mother's well-being, play significant roles. If you are expecting, pay closer attention to your exercise and daily nutrition.

Consult with your doctor or midwife regarding your perinatal care. You can also explore other helpful tips for pregnancy or parenting on our site.

Article history

Our experts strive to provide up to date information and update articles when new information becomes available

September 04, 2024

Updated by Cheary Shelim, DNP, RN, AGCNS-BC

September 04, 2024

Fact checked by Sandra Vigelienė, BSc

November 03, 2022

Written by Sophia Metrakos, RN