Understanding a Flat Pelvis: Causes, Risks & Pregnancy

Question
I went to a Well-Woman check-up back in June. The doctor told me that I had a "flat pelvis." It frightened me because it was only my second visit like that and she looked concerned (My doctor before didn't tell me that I had a flat pelvis). She said that if I ever try to have a baby, I might have difficulty giving birth and might need to have a C-Section. I'd never heard of this before. Do you have any information that might be helpful to me?

Answer
Hello Sue- it is very common for physicians to plant these seeds of doubt into the minds of women. There is NO way to tell how your pelvis will accomodate a delivery until you are in full, active labor. I suggest that you seek out your local midwives and have an examination from one of them. They are much more likely to give you an unbiased opinion of your pelvis. Drs love to have women choose c-sections- it makes their lives much easier- things can be scheduled that way and they don't have to be called out in the middle of the night. Hope that helps- check out a site called BirthLove for great info and also two books called Open Season and The Silent Knife both by Nancy Wainer Cohen. Cheri.