Measuring the pelvis is a must during pregnancy. There are two types of measurements - external and internal. As a rule, the external measurement of the pelvis is performed with a Martin's pelvis meter. You cannot measure yourself on your own, so ask someone, for example, your husband, to help you.
Instructions
Step 1
Take cross measurements first. Lie on your back with your stomach exposed. Attach the ends of the branches of the pelvis meter to the points that indicate the area to be measured. First of all, this is the distance between the anterior superior spines of the iliac bones. Grasp the tailor muscle tendons with the ends of the pelvis meter. Read the distance on the hip gauge scale and write it down.
Step 2
The second dimension is between the iliac crests. Slide the ends off the spines upward until the maximum distance is obtained.
Step 3
The third distance is from one trochanter of the femur to the opposite one. For convenience, turn your feet inward, and align your hips and extend. The ends of the pelvis are placed on the tops of the trochanters.
Step 4
Transverse dimensions are less important than longitudinal dimensions, with the exception of cases of severe narrowing of the pelvis. In this case, childbirth can be complicated and painful. By the ratio of sizes, one can judge the shape and degree of narrowing of the pelvis. But the main focus is still on longitudinal measurements.
Step 5
Lie on your side or stand up. Fix the edge of one branch of the pelvis on the outer edge of the symphysis, the other to the fossa between the spinous process of the lumbar vertebra and the middle sacral crest. This distance is called the Bodelk size, or external conjugate. The internal conjugate is usually 8-9 cm less.
Step 6
Internal measurement is carried out exclusively with an assistant, pre-bowel and bladder. The measurer must disinfect his hands before inserting fingers into the vagina. During the first pregnancy, internal measurements are associated with some discomfort and even pain, but with the repeated pregnancy, everything goes smoothly.
