The effect of maternal obesity on the course of labor.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Verdiales
Maribelle
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the Weill Cornell Medical College, NY, USA.
Pacheco
Carlos
C
Cohen
Wayne R
WR
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007747:Labor Stage, First / Q000502:physiology; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult