This is a randomized control trial comparing CPAP to routine airway management in morbidly obese patients undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery. Morbidly obese women meeting criteria for inclusion will be approached for participation. Women who are scheduled for cesarean delivery at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital will be approached at a prenatal appointment prior to scheduled date of delivery. If a woman agrees to participate in the study, she will be counseled and consented at that time.
The objective of our study is to evaluate the effect of CPAP on umbilical cord acid base status in morbidly obese women at the time of scheduled cesarean delivery. We hypothesize that neonates born to mothers wearing CPAP during the cesarean section will have a higher umbilical artery pH.