Elective C-Section News
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Denmark’s Aarhus University Hospital recently released information stating that babies who are born via elective C-sections before the 39th week are delivered too early. Their research shows that these babies “have a three- to fourfold higher risk of breathing trouble than do babies whose mothers have a normal vaginal delivery.” Startlingly, their research also shows that these babies have a five times higher chance of needing mechanical breathing assistance for more serious respiratory problems.
This research comes from studying over 34,000 babies between 1998 and 2006.
Anne Kirkeby Hansen, MD, and colleagues at Denmark’s Aarhus University Hospital, states “Mothers who choose elective cesarean section should be aware that the risk of respiratory problems is four times raised at 37 weeks’ gestation versus full-term, intended vaginal delivery. The rate of respiratory problems is 10% for elective C-section at 37 weeks, but it is 2.8% for intended vaginal deliveries. That is why we say you should never do elective cesarean section at 37 weeks.”
Reasons for the results include the fact that each week during the last trimester really counts a lot in terms of the baby’s development. In addition, doctors have found that the actual labor process may play a part in helping the baby prepare for the outside world. For example, during labor, the mother secrets stress hormones, triggering stress hormone release in the baby, which actually affect the baby’s lungs. In the baby, the hormones both speed the absorption of liquid and they increase secretion of surfactants.
For more information on this report, visit:
http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20071211/elective-csection-38th-week-too-soon?src=rss_amerpregnancy
Elizabeth says...
You’re absolutely right, delivering before 39 weeks presents its problems, however being aware of the complications and considering proper planning can make all the difference, not only for your baby but for your recovery. Good post