Neonatal outcomes of elective caesarean section at 36 and 37 weeks compared with outcomes at 38 and 39 weeks

Introduction Not only late-preterm newborns but also those born as near-term are at increased risk of complications in the first hours of postnatal adaptation. Aim of the study The aim of the retrospective study was to compare the postnatal status and adaptation disorders in neonates born with elective caesarean section at 36, 37, 38, and 39 weeks of pregnancy in a level-three perinatal care department. Material and methods The research was carried out in a group of 200 newborns born in one year, 2015, and hospitalised from birth in the Department of Neonatology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. Postnatal status and occurrence of complications during the adaptation period were compared. The obtained results were compared between subgroups using appropriate statistical analysis methods. Results In the group of newborns born in weeks 36 and 37 of pregnancy, significantly lower (p < 0.00001, p < 0.0002) birthweight (2688 g, 3208 g vs. 3524 g), lower Apgar score in the first and fifth minute of life (Me 9, 10 vs. 10; p < 0.00001, p < 0.05), and lower frequency of breastfeeding from birth (p < 0.0001, p < 0.002) were found in comparison to those born in the 39th week of pregnancy (22%, 70% vs. 94%). In addition, the tendency for hypothermia was significantly more frequently (p < 0.001, p < 0.02) observed (36%, 26% vs. 8%), these newborns were more often required to stay in the observation room (80%, 28% vs. 8%; p < 0.0001, p < 0.01) and in the incubator (74%, 26% vs. 8%; p < 0.0001, p < 0.02), and significantly more often demonstrated symptoms of respiratory failure (48%, 18% vs. 4%; p < 0.0001, p < 0.05). The length of hospitalisation was also significantly longer (7.18, 5.42 vs. 4.46 days; p < 0.0002, p < 0.05). Conclusions Due to the high risk of complications during the adaptation period, especially from the respiratory system, an elective caesarean section performed before the 38th week of pregnancy is not an optimal solution for the newborn, unless there are important medical indications for such a termination of pregnancy. The most optimal term for elective caesarean section from the point of view of the newborn’s interests is the 38th or 39th week of pregnancy.