Maternal health practices and complications of term labor

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between a healthful life-style, demonstrated by selected health practices, and complications in term labor. A sample of 493 clinic patients were interviewed at term, but prior to the onset of labor, regarding nine health practices. In a logistic regression, three of the nine practices examined were associated with significant changes in the rate of intrapartum complications: smokers experienced fewer intrapartum problems, whereas those with excess weight for height at conception and those whose gestational weight gain exceeded 40 pounds experienced an increased incidence of complications.