Weight Gain During Pregnancy Increases Laceration Risk

Severe weight gain during pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of lacerations during vaginal childbirth, according to a study presented on May 7, 2013, at the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. About 85% of women who experienced a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) also experienced lacerations during childbirth compared with only 69% of women who had no BMI change.