Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Outcome Following Cesarean Section at 38-40 Weeks

The rate of Cesarean section is increasing which may be due to maternal and neonatal issues. Preterm Cesarean (at 38-39 weeks) has several morbidities and leads to maternal problems. The goal of this study was to compare neonatal and maternal complications following the performance of the Cesarean section after 38 weeks.

This cross-sectional study evaluated 1010 subjects with term Cesarean section that referred to Yas hospital, in Tehran, Iran during 2015-7. The participants were divided into three groups based on the week of delivery. Afterward, they were studied for different neonatal and maternal complications.

According to the findings, the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes had a statistically negative relationship with the progress of gestational age. Moreover, the rate of hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia and stillbirth was higher in neonates delivered before 38 weeks. Among the maternal complications, the rate of massive bleeding during cesarean section or in the postpartum period was significantly higher in deliveries before 39 weeks, whereas the rate of pelvic infection was higher in deliveries after 40 weeks.

Based on the results of this study, the best time for the Cesarean section is the 39th week of pregnancy which led to the elimination of maternal and neonatal complications.