title: Risk indicators for dystocia in low-risk nulliparous women: a study on lifestyle and anthropometrical factors.
abstract: We examined background information and course of labour from a cohort of 2,810 low-risk nulliparas to identify possible lifestyle and anthropometrical risk indicators for dystocia. Criteria for dystocia: cervical dilatation <2 cm over 4 h during labour's active phase, or no descent during 2 h (3 h with epidural) in the descending phase, or no progress for 1 h during the expulsive phase. After adjustments, athletics or heavy gardening > or =4 h per week appeared protective for dystocia (OR 0.63, CI 0.45-0.89), contrary to a non-significant finding of intensive physical training (OR 1.57, CI 0.84-2.93). Caffeine intake of 200-299 mg/day was associated with dystocia (OR 1.37, CI 1.04-1.80); also high maternal age (OR 2.25, CI 1.58-3.22), small stature (OR 2.18, CI 1.51-3.15) and pre-pregnancy overweight (OR 1.28, CI 1.02-1.61). No association was found between dystocia and alcohol intake, smoking, night sleep and options for resting during the day.
authors.affiliation: Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. hanne.kjaergaard@rh.regionh.dk
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kjaergaard
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Dykes
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ottesen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Olsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D004420:Dystocia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors