Abstract
Background: To investigate the neonatal outcome after cesarean sections in Norway
Methods: Prospective survey using information provided by clinicians at 24 maternity units. A specially designed form for each delivery was used and the neonatal data were derived from birth logs and infant journals. Data from vaginal births were derived from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. 2380 singleton cesarean sections were included in the survey from January 1. 1999 to July 1. 1999 representing 70.1% of all cesarean sections and 71.2% of all births in Norway in the same period.
Results: The cesarean section rate in singleton pregnancies was 12.5%. 63% of the cesarean sections were unplanned operations. Bagging, intubation and chest compression were carried out in 8.5%, 4.3% and 1.9% of the cesarean sections, respectively. A comparison between elective cesarean sections and vaginal deliveries disclosed: 1) significant more children admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (p= 0.00), 2) increased risk for pulmonary disorders (TTN and RDS) (p= 0.00) and respiratory treatment (p= 0.00) after cesarean section, 3) no difference in the risk for cerebral irritation and cerebral depresion (p= 0.58) and for neonatal convulsions (p= 0.58).
Conclusion: This prospective study represents more than two thirds of all deliveries in Norway in the study period. The most important findings were that a vaginal delivery resulted in reduced risk for transferring to the NICU and for pulmonary disorders compared to an elective section. We stress the importance to try to limit the use of an elective operation to cases where an operation gives benefit to the mother or the child.
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Kolås, T., Øian, P., Daltveit, A. et al. 136 Cesarean Section and Neonatal Outcome. Pediatr Res 56, 487 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200409000-00159
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200409000-00159