The Effect of Maternal Obesity on the Rate of Failed Induction of Labor

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship between class of obesity and rate of failed induction of labor. Study Design Using the Ohio Department of Health's birth certificate database from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2007, we performed a population-based cohort study that compared failed induction of labor rates between obese and normal-weight women. Results The rate of induction is associated with increasing body mass index from 28% in normal-weight women to 34% in class III obese women (body mass index, ≥40 kg/m 2 ). Induction failure rates are also associated with increasing obesity class from 13% in normal-weight women to 29% in class III obese women. Women with class III obesity without a previous vaginal delivery and a macrosomic fetus had the highest rate of failed induction at 80%. Conclusion Obesity is associated with an increased risk of failed labor induction that appears to be related directly to increasing class of obesity.