ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND INDUCTION OF LABOR

Abstract

Background: Obesity in pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes, including prolonged labor, higher cesarean rates, and increased maternal complications. Conflicting evidence exists on its effect on induction of labor (IOL); this study was planned to assess the association between BMI and IOL.

Objectives: To compare frequency of induction of labor based on BMI at a tertiary care hospital.

Duration: Six months w.e.f 01-10-2024 to 31-03-2025

Methodology: After ethical approval, 182 pregnant women meeting inclusion criteria at Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Islamabad, were enrolled, and written informed consent obtained. Labor was induced per hospital protocol when indicated, while others had spontaneous labor. All procedures were supervised by a senior gynecologist, and data were recorded and analyzed using SPSS 26.  

Results: A total of 182 participants were included, with a mean age of 28.30 ± 5.54 years and mean BMI of 28.85 ± 4.17 kg/m²; half were classified as obese. Obese women had significantly higher rates of induction of labor (35.2% vs. 12.1%), increased cesarean deliveries (59.3% vs. 40.7%), and longer labor duration (12.14 ± 3.81 vs. 11.00 ± 3.29 hours), while fetal weight differences were not statistically significant. Higher induction rates were observed across all subgroups of obese women.

Conclusion: In this study, obesity was significantly associated with higher rates of labor induction and cesarean delivery, as well as longer labor duration. Obese women had nearly four times higher odds of induction compared to non-obese women, highlighting BMI as an important factor influencing obstetric outcomes.