Abstract

Aim: The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of maternal body mass index on perinatal outcomes such as duration of labor, mode of delivery, neonatal birth weight, neonatal APGAR score and particular postpartum complications. Material and Method: The medical records of 300 pregnant women who attended to and delivered in our institution between 2008-2009 were analyzed retrospectively. According to prelabor body mass index, the pregnant women were divided into 4 groups, namely, Group 1: Normal (Body mass index: 18,5-24,9) (n=54), Group 2: Overweight (Body mass index: 25-29,9) (n=150), Group 3: Obese (Body mass index: 30-39,9) (n=92), Group 4: Morbid obese (Body mass index: ?40) (n=4). The groups were compared according to duration of labor, mode of delivery, neonatal birth weight, neonatal APGAR score and particular postpartum complications. Findings: High maternal body mass index increases the rate of cesarean section delivery (p=0,044). There is no statistical significant difference between the groups in terms of duration of labor, neonatal birth weight, neonatal APGAR score and particular postpartum complications. Conclusion: High maternal body mass index is associated with elevated rates of cesarean section delivery.