[Link between indication for cesarean section and need for resuscitation of the neonate]

To study the relationship between the indication for caesarean section (CS) and the need for resuscitation of the infant.

Prospective cohort study.

During one year the following information was collected for each CS in a secondary teaching hospital (Isala klinieken/Weezenlanden Hospital), Zwolle, the Netherlands: indication for the CS, Apgar scores after 1 and 5 min and measures taken by the attending paediatrician at birth. These measures were divided into two groups: resuscitation (bag and mask ventilation or endotracheal intubation and ventilation) or no resuscitation (stimulation, supplemental oxygen, or no action at all).

During the study year 202 CS were carried out. In the 50 CS carried out because of a narrow pelvis or a previous CS and in the 61 CS carried out for non-progressive labour there was little need for resuscitation of the newborn (4 and 3.3%, respectively), similar to resuscitation requirements after vaginal birth. The need for resuscitation of the newborn was significantly greater in the other indication groups, namely in 6/37 (16%) of cases of foetal malposition, in 3/10 (30%) of placental dysfunction, and in 11/44 (25%) of foetal distress. One infant had to be intubated directly after birth. The 1-minute Apgar score was lower in infants born after CS under general anaesthesia than under spinal anaesthesia (p = 0.002), regardless of the indication for the CS.

Based on the indication for a CS, a paediatrician or physician experienced in neonatal resuscitation is required for a high-risk CS (foetal malposition, placental dysfunction, foetal distress, and general anaesthesia).