The Effect Of Maternal Body Mass Index On Duration Of Induced Labor

Background: Induction is the stimulation of uterine contractions to aid childbirth. Meanwhile, the prevalence of obesity is predicted to grow by 33% worldwide by the year 2030. Genetic, environmental, behavioral, and social elements all have a role in the development of obesity. The prevalence of obesity is highly associated with both ancestry and ethnicity. Numerous illnesses and malignancies are only a few of the many that can be exacerbated by obesity. Menstrual irregularities, infertility, and premature birth are just a few of the ways that obesity negatively affects a woman's ability to have healthy, natural children. Longer labors and more cesarean sections are directly related to the rising prevalence of maternal obesity, which also correlates with an increase in the use of labor induction. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of maternal body mass index on the duration of induction of labor. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at AL-Zahraa Teaching Hospital from December 2022 to June 2023. It included 100 pregnant women divided into overweight/obese and non-obese groups. Prim and multi gravida term pregnant women with unfavorable cervix and not in labor were included. The collected data included demographical, menstrual, medical, and surgical history, and assessment of labor duration and success. Labor was induced by using PGE1 and oxytocin. Failed induction was defined as cervical dilatation >4 cm not achieved after 12 ± 3 h of labor or ending with a cesarean section. Results: The study examined 100 women undergoing labor induction, finding a success rate of 80% for vaginal delivery and 20% ending in caesarean sections. Notably, failed inductions were associated with larger gestational age and higher Body Mass Index (BMI). In fact, 90% of those who had a failed induction of labor were obese (BMI >30 kg/m²). Despite these findings, there were no significant variations in maternal age, gravidity, parity, and miscarriage rates between the successful and failed induction groups. Conclusion: Higher BMI increases the likelihood of failed labor induction but its impact on the duration of induction is not clearly established from the current data which may need further study with increasing sample size.