What is the Optimal Gestational Age for Obese Women to Give Birth?

For women with prepregnancy BMI >30 kg/m², elective induction of labor at 39 weeks resulted in the best maternal and newborn outcomes.

To explore the optimal timing of birth among obese women, investigators in California conducted a retrospective cohort study of some 166,000 deliveries in women with body-mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m². Elective induction at ≥39 weeks' gestation was compared with expectant management beginning at 39 weeks (with delivery later in pregnancy). Pregnancy outcomes were analyzed at gestational weeks 39, 40, and 41.

Among nulliparous women, elective induction compared with expectant management at 39 weeks was associated with lower rates of cesarean delivery (36% vs. 41%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.82), severe maternal morbidity (6% vs. 8%; aOR, 0.75), and newborn admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU; 8% vs. 10%; aOR, 0.79). Among parou…

Reviewing Author

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

What is the Optimal Gestational Age for Obese Women to Give Birth?

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Reviewing Author