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Background: ␤2-Adrenergic receptor (␤2AR) activity influences labor. Its genotype affects the incidence of preterm delivery. We determined the effect of ␤2AR genotype on term labor progress and maternal pain. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 150 nulliparous parturients in the third trimester and obtained sensory thresholds, demographic information, and DNA. Cervical dilation, pain scores, and labor management data were extracted with associated times. The association of genetic and demographic factors with labor was tested using mixed effects models.

Mathematical models can be used to detect subtle effects of patient covariates on the progress and pain of the first stage of labor. Asian women and heavier women had slower labor and slower onset of labor pain than others. These effects were modest compared with the substantial remaining unexplained subject-to-subject variability in labor progress and labor pain.

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