Class III Obese Women's Preferences and Concerns for Cesarean Skin Incision: A Multicenter Survey

Objective  This study aims to assess class III obese women's preferences and concerns regarding cesarean delivery (CD) skin incisions. Study Design  Through the National Perinatal Research Consortium (NPRC), women with body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m 2 at the time of enrollment completed an anonymous survey in English or Spanish. We evaluated seven domains of preferences and concerns about the cesarean skin incision. Results  We surveyed 546 women at five NPRC sites. Median age (interquartile range) was 29 (25, 35) years; 364 (66%) were parous and 161 (30%) had a prior CD. Women self-identified race/ethnicity as White (31%), non-Hispanic Black (31%), Hispanic (31%), other (6%), and not reported (1%). A total of 542 women (99%) rated both delivering the baby in the best possible condition and decreasing incision opening/infection risk as important. Women were less likely to rate other domains as important (all p n  = 521 (95%); decreasing the risk of complications in the next pregnancy, n  = 490 (90%); decreasing interference with breastfeeding, n  = 474 (87%); decreasing operative time, n  = 388 (71%); and having the least visible incision, n  = 369 (68%). Conclusion  Women with class III obesity prioritize immediate maternal and fetal safety regarding CD skin incision over other concerns including cosmetic outcome.