What is the main concern with cephalopelvic disproportion?

The main concern with cephalopelvic disproportion is that it often results in stalled labor and potential fetal distress. Cephalopelvic disproportion occurs when the fetus is too large relative to the mother's pelvis, which can impede the normal progression of labor.

When labor stalls, it can lead to prolonged labor, which poses risks to both the mother and the baby. For the mother, prolonged labor can increase the risk of uterine atony and hemorrhage. For the fetus, if labor is prolonged or stalled, there is a risk of fetal hypoxia, which can cause distress due to the lack of oxygen. This situation may necessitate medical interventions such as cesarean delivery to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

While excessive maternal weight gain, increased risk of infection, and adjustment problems in the newborn are valid concerns in obstetrics, they are not the primary issues associated with cephalopelvic disproportion. The immediate complications arising from this condition center around the mechanics of labor and delivery, particularly how the size of the fetus in relation to the mother's pelvis can affect the delivery process.