A BMI-Based Labor Curve?

From Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls Dr. Chapa’s Clinical Pearls

The ACOG acknowledges that maternal obesity affects labor curves and recommends allowing more time for cervical dilation before diagnosing labor arrest in obese patients. This approach aims to avoid unnecessary interventions, such as premature cesarean delivery, which may occur if standard labor curves are strictly applied to obese women. In this episode, we will review a new study from the AJOG (08 Nov 2025) which describes labor progression and duration according to maternal body mass index, validating the need (possibly) for a BMI -based labor curve. Has there been advocates of a BMI-based labor curve? Listen in for details.

1. Edwards, Sara et al. Characterizing Labor Progression and Duration According to Maternal Body Mass Index. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Volume 0, Issue 0

2. Lundborg L, Liu X, Åberg K, et al. Association of Body Mass Index and Maternal Age With First Stage Duration of Labour. Scientific Reports. 2021;11(1):13843. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-93217-5.

3. Kominiarek MA, Zhang J, Vanveldhuisen P, et al. Contemporary Labor Patterns: The Impact of Maternal Body Mass Index. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011;205(3):244.e1-8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2011.06.014.

4. Norman SM, Tuuli MG, Odibo AO, et al. The Effects of Obesity on the First Stage of Labor.

Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2012;120(1):130-5. doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e318259589c.