Which outcome is associated with being overweight or obese pre-pregnancy?

Being overweight or obese prior to pregnancy is indeed associated with an increased risk of difficult delivery. This can manifest in various ways, including prolonged labor, a higher likelihood of requiring a cesarean section, and complications related to the size of the baby, which tends to be larger in mothers who are overweight or obese. These complications arise because excess weight can affect the body's biomechanics and lead to difficulties in the birthing process.

The influence of pre-pregnancy weight on delivery complications is well-documented in medical literature. For instance, overweight or obese women may have a higher incidence of macrosomia (large babies), which can complicate labor. Additionally, these women often face challenges such as decreased mobility during labor, increased risk of fetal distress, and potential labor dystocia due to the baby's position or size.

In contrast, being overweight or obese is associated with increased risks for many other adverse outcomes, such as hypertension and gestational diabetes, but in the context of delivery specifically, the increased risk of difficult delivery is particularly notable. Understanding these relationships helps healthcare providers manage pregnancies more effectively by identifying women who may need additional support and monitoring during labor and delivery.