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Risk of obstetric anal sphincter lacerations among obese women
Author(s) -
Lindholm ES,
Altman D
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/1471-0528.12228
Subject(s) - medicine , overweight , body mass index , obstetrics , odds ratio , population , gynecology , obesity , pregnancy , anal sphincter , confidence interval , confounding , episiotomy , surgery , environmental health , biology , genetics
Objective To assess the risk for obstetric anal sphincter lacerations in relation to maternal obesity among primiparous women in Sweden. Design A population‐based study. Setting Sweden. Population All women with vaginal delivery and singleton pregnancy in Sweden in the years 2003–2008 ( n = 210 678). Methods The Medical Birth Registry, the National Board of Health and Welfare, was used to identify cases of rupture and body mass index ( BMI ) classes. The population was categorised into four classes with BMI of <25, 25 to <30, 30 to <35 and >35 kg/m 2 . Main outcome measures Odds ratios were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. In order to estimate the effect of BMI on obstetric anal sphincter lacerations, with possible confounders accounted for, uni‐ and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Results In total, 8958 (4.25%) cases of anal sphincter lacerations (grade III – IV ) occurred; increasing BMI showed a significant near‐dose–response type of protective effect against grade III – IV lacerations when compared with women with BMI <25 kg/m 2 : BMI 25 to <30 kg/m 2 , 0.89; BMI 30 to <35 kg/m 2 , 0.84; BMI > 35 kg/m 2 , 0.70. Conclusion Overweight and obesity were associated with a decreased risk for obstetric anal sphincter lacerations.