Height as a risk factor in Saudi Arabian obstetric practice

ABSTRACT

Short maternal stature as an obstetric risk factor in Saudi Arabia is reviewed. Short stature dose not influence the number of breech, forceps or ventouse deliveries nor dose it influence the perinatal mortality or prematurity rate but it dose increase the Caesarean section rate. The risk of Caesarian section in the 3.3% of Saudi women who are shorter than 145 cm is 3.2 time greater than in taller women. The average birthweight decreases with height. The conclusion is, that for Saudi Arabia, the risk figure is less than 145 cm as opposed to the Western figure of less than 152.4 cm [5 ft]