AIM: To determine whether maternal obesity is associated with dysfunctional labor patterns. METHODS: In a case-control design we compared the graphic labor patterns of a group of 105 very obese subjects [body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m(2)] with those of 113 lean controls (BMI<26 kg/m(2)). All entered spontaneous labor at term. Cases with birth weights >4 kg, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and prior cesarean delivery were excluded. RESULTS: The obese group had a significantly higher frequency of arrest of dilatation (17.6 vs. 5.2%; P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal obesity is associated with active phase labor dysfunction, specifically arrest of dilatation.
AIM: To determine whether maternal obesity is associated with dysfunctional labor patterns. METHODS: In a case-control design we compared the graphic labor patterns of a group of 105 very obese subjects [body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m(2)] with those of 113 lean controls (BMI<26 kg/m(2)). All entered spontaneous labor at term. Cases with birth weights >4 kg, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and prior cesarean delivery were excluded. RESULTS: The obese group had a significantly higher frequency of arrest of dilatation (17.6 vs. 5.2%; P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS:Maternal obesity is associated with active phase labor dysfunction, specifically arrest of dilatation.
Authors: Shayna M Norman; Methodius G Tuuli; Anthony O Odibo; Aaron B Caughey; Kimberly A Roehl; Alison G Cahill Journal: Obstet Gynecol Date: 2012-07 Impact factor: 7.661