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The timing of elective caesarean deliveries and early neonatal outcomes in singleton infants born 37–41 weeks' gestation
Author(s) -
Doan Emily,
Gibbons Kristen,
Tudehope David
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/ajo.12220
Subject(s) - singleton , gestation , obstetrics , medicine , elective caesarean section , caesarean delivery , caesarean section , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Background Births by elective caesarean section ( CS ) are rising, particularly before 39 weeks' gestation, which may be associated with unacceptably high risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. The optimal timing of these deliveries needs to be determined with recent recommendations to delay births by elective CS until 39 weeks. Aims To evaluate the association between gestational age ( GA ) at delivery and neonatal outcomes after elective CS between 37 and 41[6][Morrison JJ, 1995] weeks. Materials and Methods Retrospective cohort study of viable singleton neonates delivered by elective CS at Mater Mothers' Hospitals (1998–2009). Neonates were stratified into two GA groups with early term ( ET , 37–38[6][Morrison JJ, 1995] weeks) compared with the reference group of full and late term ( FLT , 39–41[6][Morrison JJ, 1995] weeks). The primary outcome examined was serious respiratory morbidity; secondary outcomes included depression at birth, nursery admission and assisted ventilation. Results Fourteen thousand and four hundred and forty‐seven mother–baby pairs were included (59.9% delivered before 39 weeks). There was a significantly decreasing risk of adverse neonatal outcomes with increasing GA . Compared to FLT , delivery at ET almost tripled the risk of the primary outcome ( AOR 2.74; 95% CI 1.79–4.21). Rates of most secondary outcomes were at least doubled. Conclusion Elective CS performed at 37–38[6][Morrison JJ, 1995] weeks is associated with poorer neonatal outcomes compared to those delivered at 39–41[6][Morrison JJ, 1995] weeks. This study supports recent recommendations to delay delivery by elective CS until week 39 if possible.