Human Model – Pelvis with Baby

Quick Answer: The human pelvis with baby model combines a female pelvis with a fetal doll to show how a baby’s head fits and moves through the birth canal. Midwifery and nursing students use the pelvis with baby model to learn the pelvic planes, engagement and station during labour.

The Birth Canal from the Pelvis Side

Where a delivery doll focuses on the baby, this model makes the bony birth canal the subject. The canal has three levels: the inlet at the brim, the cavity, and the outlet bounded by the pubic arch, the ischial tuberosities and the coccyx. At the inlet the widest diameter runs from side to side, while at the outlet it runs from front to back, so the baby’s head has to rotate on its way through, which is exactly what the model lets students watch.

The ischial spines, which project into the cavity, are the landmark for station. When the lowest part of the baby’s head is level with the spines it is at station zero; above them the station is negative and below them positive. Engagement is when the widest part of the head has passed through the inlet. Seeing the spines on a real pelvis shape, with the head held at different levels, makes these terms far clearer than a diagram.

Pelvis shape also affects labour. Anatomy courses describe four classic types, gynaecoid, android, anthropoid and platypelloid, with the rounded gynaecoid form the most favourable for birth. Which fetal doll is supplied with this model and how the pelvis is built should be confirmed at enquiry; the separate delivery doll is available for fetal skull teaching, and the female half pelvis model shows the soft organs around the canal.

Applications

• Teaching the planes and diameters of the pelvis in midwifery courses
• Demonstrating engagement and station relative to the ischial spines
• Showing how the fetal head rotates to fit the pelvic outlet
• Comparing pelvis types and their effect on labour

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Pass the baby through the pelvis gently; forcing it at the outlet can strain joints or scuff the doll.
• Store the doll outside the pelvis so neither part is left under pressure.
• Clean the pelvis with a damp cloth and the doll according to its material, drying both fully.

Why Choose LabEquip

Midwifery schools and nursing colleges buy a pelvis with baby set as a core teaching aid for labour and delivery. It is listed in LabEquip’s biology lab products; use the LabEquip contact page to confirm the set contents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is station in labour?

Station describes how far the baby’s head has descended, measured against the ischial spines. At station zero the head is level with the spines; negative numbers are above and positive numbers below.

What does engagement mean?

Engagement means the widest part of the baby’s head has passed through the pelvic inlet. In a first pregnancy it often happens before labour begins.

Why does the baby’s head rotate during birth?

The widest diameter of the pelvic inlet runs from side to side, but at the outlet it runs from front to back. The head turns to keep its longest dimension in line with the widest part of the canal.

What are the four pelvis types?

Gynaecoid, android, anthropoid and platypelloid. The rounded gynaecoid pelvis is the typical female shape and the most favourable for vaginal birth.

What are the ischial spines?

They are bony points projecting inward from each side of the pelvic cavity. They mark the narrowest part of the canal and serve as the reference point for measuring station.

How is this different from a delivery doll alone?

A delivery doll on its own teaches the baby’s skull landmarks. The pelvis with baby adds the bony birth canal, so descent, engagement and rotation can be shown.

Last Updated: September 2026