Maternal height-how high is the risk of short stature?

Summary In 1992, maternal height was measured in 698 black primigravidae in Harare. Mean height was 159 cm; 45 women (6-4 per cent) were 150 cm tall. The latter group was associated with an increased risk for caesarean section, after controlling for maternal age, educational level, duration of labour and the birth weight of the baby. There was an increased need for neonatal unit care for the babies of women 150 cm high. Short stature is in itself a risk factor for caesarean section.