Obesity, obstetric complications and cesarean delivery rate--a population-based screening study

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Apr;190(4):1091-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2003.09.058.

Abstract

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether obesity is associated with obstetric complications and cesarean delivery.

Methods: A large prospective multicenter database was studied. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: body mass index (BMI) less than 30 (control), 30 to 34.9 (obese), and 35 or greater (morbidly obese). Groups were compared by using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results: The study included 16,102 patients: 3,752 control, 1,473 obese, and 877 morbidly obese patients. Obesity and morbid obesity had a statistically significant association with gestational hypertension (odds ratios [ORs] 2.5 and 3.2), preeclampsia (ORs 1.6 and 3.3), gestational diabetes (ORs 2.6 and 4.0), and fetal birth weight greater than 4000 g (ORs 1.7 and 1.9) and greater than 4500 g (ORs 2.0 and 2.4). For nulliparous patients, the cesarean delivery rate was 20.7% for the control group, 33.8% for obese, and 47.4% for morbidly obese patients.

Conclusion: Obesity is an independent risk factor for adverse obstetric outcome and is significantly associated with an increased cesarean delivery rate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cesarean Section / statistics & numerical data*
  • Diabetes, Gestational / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / epidemiology
  • Medical Records
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Obesity, Morbid / complications
  • Pre-Eclampsia / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology