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Abstract
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/m2] with those of 113 lean controls (BMI<26 kg/m2). 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.
Received: 2009-1-27
Revised: 2009-4-15
Accepted: 2009-5-4
Published Online: 2009-07-10
Published Online: 2009-07-10
Published in Print: 2009-11-01
©2009 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
