The Effect of Obesity on the Active Phase of the First Stage of Labour

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a growing global health concern with significant implications for pregnant women. The study investigates the impact of obesity on the first stage of labor, focusing on labor progression and associated complications. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of obesity on duration and progression of the active phase of first stage of labor and delivery outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective case-control study conducted at Al-Elwiya Maternity Teaching Hospital from January 2024 to January 2025. The study included 200 women divided into two groups: 100 obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and 100 non-obese (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m²). Data was collected through interviews, clinical observations, and medical records. RESULTS: Obese women experienced significantly longer durations in the first stage of labor compared to non-obese women, with nulliparous and multiparous subgroups both affected. Obese nulliparous women had a cesarean delivery rate of 29.6% versus 4.3% in non-obese counterparts. CONCLUSION: Maternal obesity adversely affects labor progression, leading to prolonged first-stage durations and higher intervention rates, particularly in nulliparous women. These findings underscore the need for tailored labor management strategies in obese pregnant women.