The relationship between body mass index and perceived control over labor

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Increased body mass index (BMI) is linked to higher rates of perinatal mental health disorders.
• Perceived lack of control during labor is associated with postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.
• The relationship between BMI and labor control experience remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess perceived control over labor in individuals with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² compared to those with a BMI < 30 kg/m².
• To investigate the association between varying BMI categories and the experience of labor control.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study involving postpartum patients.
• Utilized the Labour Agentry Scale (LAS) to measure perceived control over labor.
• Employed bivariate and multivariable regression analyses to compare BMI groups and control for confounders.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in LAS scores was found between individuals with BMI ≥ 30 and BMI < 30.
• Individuals in the highest BMI category (WHO Class III, ≥ 40 kg/m²) reported lower LAS scores.
• This difference in the highest BMI group was no longer significant after adjusting for labor duration and cesarean birth.

Conclusions:

• Perceived control over labor is not significantly different across BMI categories, except for a non-significant trend in the highest BMI group.
• The association between high BMI and decreased labor control is confounded by factors like labor length and mode of delivery.
• Further research is crucial to understand the birthing experience of individuals with obesity and its link to perinatal mood disorders.