Timing of Planned Caesarean Section and Morbidity of the Newborn

Timing of Elective Caesarean Section and Neonatal Morbidity - a Randomised Multicentre Study

The caesarean section rate is rising globally. About 10% of the newborns are submitted to a neonatal department after planned caesarean section, primarily with respiratory disorders. More children are submitted if caesarean is performed earlier in pregnancy.

Study hypothesis: More newborns are admitted after planned caesarean at 38 weeks and 3 days of gestation than after 39 weeks and 3 days of gestation.

Aim of study: To compare elective caesarean section performed at 38 weeks and 3 days of gestation with 39 weeks and 3 days of gestation. According to this timing to determine the proportion of newborns admitted within 48 hours after birth.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elective caesarean section
• Gestational age determined at 12 weeks ultrasound scan
• Singleton pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

• < 18 years of age (at time of randomization)
• In need of an interpreter to communicate in danish
• Diabetes, both gestational and before pregnancy
• A mother with an estimated high risk of caesarean section before 39+5 weeks