The type of pelvis most favorable for normal vaginal delivery is?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The Gynecoid pelvis is the classic female pelvis, present in about 50% of women.
Its key features—a rounded inlet, straight side walls, and a wide subpubic arch (90 degrees)—provide the most space for the fetal head to navigate the birth canal.
These characteristics make it the most favorable shape for a spontaneous vaginal delivery with the fewest complications.

Option A: This is a flattened, wide pelvis. It is the rarest type (5% incidence) and is unfavorable for vaginal delivery.
Option C: This is the typical male pelvis, with a heart-shaped or triangular inlet and narrow subpubic arch.
Option D: This pelvis is long from front-to-back (anteroposteriorly) and narrow from side-to-side.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of female pelvis and their obstetric significance as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing the pelvic shape (pelvimetry), though less common now with advanced imaging, is a classic part of antenatal care to anticipate potential difficulties during labor.
A woman with a known Android or Platypelloid pelvis may be counseled about a higher chance of needing a cesarean section, especially if the fetus is large (macrosomia).
What if? If a woman has an Anthropoid pelvis and the fetus is in an occiput-posterior position, the nurse should be prepared for a potentially longer second stage of labor and can assist the mother with positions (like hands-and-knees or lunges) that may help rotate the fetus to a more favorable anterior position.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from Obstetrics.
First, identify the keywords in the question: 'most favorable' and 'vaginal delivery'.
Recall the four main types of female pelves as described by the Caldwell-Moloy classification.
Compare the anatomical characteristics of each type: Gynecoid (round, wide, ideal), Android (heart-shaped, narrow), Anthropoid (long oval), and Platypelloid (flat, wide).
Relate these shapes to the process of childbirth. The shape that provides the most space and the straightest path for the fetal head is the most favorable.
Conclude that the Gynecoid shape, being round and spacious, is the most suitable for a normal vaginal delivery.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 38-46

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 16-32

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.