Does Obesity Influence Women's Decision Making about the Mode of Delivery?

Introduction: The ratio of cesarean deliveries (CDs) has been increasing worldwide, with a growing problem of cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) and an alarmingly increasing rate of CD in the private sector. There are numerous factors influencing women's preferences for the mode of delivery and their opinion about shared decision making (SDM). Material and method: The study was designed as an online survey, filled in by 1040 women. The questionnaire included questions about women's preferences for the mode of delivery, their opinions about CDMR and the process of decision making regarding the mode of delivery. Results: There were no statistically significant differences found between women with a BMI <= 25 kg/m(2) and >25 kg/m(2), nor with a BMI <= 30 kg/m(2) and >30 kg/m(2), on the subject of the preferred method of delivery, and the opinion regarding SDM and CDMR without medical indications. More than 85% of women in all groups, who preferred CD as the mode of delivery, wanted to have CDMR. Conclusion: We have not found obesity and overweight to be a factor influencing women's preferred mode of delivery, their opinion about SDM and their preference for CDMR without medical indications. However, the sample size of women with morbid obesity with a BMI >= 35 kg/m(2) was too small for the results to be considered significant in this group, and it will therefore be subject to further studies.

Automated summary

The study results indicate that obesity and overweight do not seem to influence women's preferences for mode of delivery, opinions on shared decision making, and preferences for cesarean delivery on request without medical indications. However, for women with morbid obesity (BMI >= 35 kg/m(2)), the sample size was too small for the results to be considered significant and further studies are needed.