The effect of obesity on the onset of spontaneous labor and scheduled delivery rates in term pregnancies

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of obesity on the onset of spontaneous labor, scheduled delivery rates and perinatal outcomes in term pregnancies. Material and methods 242 obese and 244 non-obese pregnant women ≥37 gestational weeks were compared in terms of the onset of spontaneous labor, scheduled delivery rates and perinatal outcomes. Results Obese pregnant women had statistically significantly lower onset of spontaneous labor and higher rates of scheduled delivery. No difference was determined in respect of the type of delivery, 1st and 5th minutes APGAR scores and the need for intensive care. Higher values of birth weight, large for gestational age, macrosomia, gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia were determined in obese women. Conclusion The onset of spontaneous labor rates in term obese pregnancies were lower and scheduled delivery rates were higher than in the non-obese pregnancies. However, more extensive studies are needed to better understand this relationship.