Cesarean Section Delivery Does Not Impact Postpartum Weight Loss And Recovery

Abstract

Inability to lose weight gained during pregnancy increases a woman’s risk of becoming overweight or obese. Epidemiological studies have suggested that obesity is strongly associated with history of cesarean section (c-section) delivery. This association may be related to postpartum changes in physiological (e.g. physical activity) and behavioral (e.g. sleep) factors associated with weight loss. PURPOSE: To examine differences in postpartum body mass and factors related to weight loss between women who gave birth via c-section vs. vaginally. METHODS: Body mass was measured in 37 women (11 c-section [CD] and 26 vaginal [VD] delivery), at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum. Additionally, physiological factors (body composition (DXA), resting energy expenditure, and physical activity) and behavioral factors (sleep quality, fatigue, depression, and body image) related to weight loss were assessed at each time point. Self-reported pre-pregnancy weight and pregnancy weight gain were recorded and differences between CD and VD were assessed with student’s t-tests. Differences between CD and VD postpartum factors were assessed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between CD and VD groups in pre-pregnancy BMI (26.5 ± 5.9 kg/m2 vs. 25.4 ± 5.4 kg/m2, p = 0.59, CD vs VD respectively), pregnancy weight gain (16.2 ± 5.2 kg vs. 14.4 ± 4.8 kg, p = 0.32, CD vs VD respectively), and body mass at delivery (86.3 ± 17.8 kg vs. 83.9 ± 13.8 kg, p = 0.67, CD vs VD respectively). At 12 months postpartum, similar weight loss occurred in both groups (14.3 ± 6.1 kg vs 13.8 ± 5.4 kg, p = 0.77, CD vs VD respectively). ANOVA analysis of the changes in physiological and behavioral factors related to weight loss over the postpartum period revealed no significant difference between CD and VD women. CONCLUSION: Despite potentially longer recovery time associated with c-section delivery, weight loss in the postpartum period was not impacted and therefore c-section delivery does not appear to be a risk factor for obesity.