APPROPRIATE GESTATIONAL AGE FOR ELECTIVE C-SECTION

Introduction: Timing of elective caesarean delivery is a relevant public health issue. Neonatal outcome is associated with the duration of gestation at the time of delivery. Rate of C-section is increasing worldwide even in USA it increased from 20.7% in 1996 to 31.1% in 2006. The objective to determine the appropriate age of gestation for elective C-Section in order to have good neonatal outcome and decrease perinatal morbidity. It is a cross sectional study that is retrospective. It will be carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shalamar Hospital, Lahore from March 2011 to Nov. 2011. Methodology: One hundred consecutive subjects who had elective C-Sections during the study period were included in the study. Gestation of pregnancy was correlated with the outcome of babies. The newborns were assessed by 5 minutes apgar score and by admission in neonatal unit. Results: In a total of 100 patients 9 had C-Section at 39 completed weeks and 47 had C-sections at 38 completed weeks and 44 had C-Sections at 37 completed weeks of gestation. Most of the babies who had respiratory problems and shifted to nursery were those who were delivered at 37 weeks gestation. Conclusion: Timing of elective Caesarean delivery at term has a relationship and influence on neonatal outcome. The perinatal morbidity can be reduced by decreasing elective caesareans before 39 completed weeks of gestation.