Survival of neonates born below thirty-five weeks gestation in a developing country (Barbados, the West Indies)

A retrospective study of the survival of babies born below 35 weeks of gestation over a period of five years from 1987 to 1991 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital was analysed. The births of 433 were evaluated taking into consideration the birth weights, periods of gestation and mode of delivery. The fetal outcome in relation to these parameters were examined. Twin pregnancies were excluded. A poor outcome was noted in babies below 1000 g. Increasing survival rates were observed with increasing birth weight and increasing period of gestation. Babies below 30 weeks gestation had a poor survival rate. Caesarian section was found to be better than a vaginal delivery for a favourable outcome when all 425 births were considered.