The Association between Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Delivery Route

Mother who is overweight and obese before pregnancy are known to be at risk of uterine dysfunction, induction and cesarean section. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between pre pregnancy body mass index and the childbirth method. In this cross-sectional study, 1354 pregnant women were recruited randomly in Besat Hospital in Sanandaj (the capital of Kurdistan province in the West of Iran). Inclusion criteria were singleton term pregnancy, having medical records, and referring to the health care center up to the 12th week of pregnancy. Data collection was done through two parts questionnaires including: demographic characteristic and question regard to route of delivery. The incidence of overweight (BMI>26) was thirty-eight percent. Chi-square test proved a significant statistical relation between body mass index and induction (p<0.05) and delivery route (p < 0.05). There was significant relation between cesarean causes and BMI (p<0.05). Obese and overweight women need more attention during pregnancy. In this regard, training, nutrition and health consultation, and reaching appropriate weight before pregnancy can improve mother and newborn health.