Neonatal outcome following cesarean birth: a prospective study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics
• Neonatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cesarean delivery is a common obstetric procedure.
• Understanding neonatal outcomes following cesarean birth is crucial for improving infant health.
• Primary cesarean sections constitute a significant proportion of deliveries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze neonatal morbidity and mortality rates in singleton infants born via cesarean section.
• To identify risk factors associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 573 singleton infants born via cesarean section.
• Data collection on neonatal morbidity (birth asphyxia, septicemia, jaundice, respiratory problems) and mortality.
• Evaluation of factors including maternal parity, infant sex, gestational age, and birth weight.

Main Results:

• Neonatal mortality was 3.6% for primigravida mothers and 9.8% for multigravida mothers.
• Mortality rates were 5.73% for males and 9.65% for females.
• Preterm infants had over 7 times higher mortality than term infants.
• Birth weights below 2000g and above 3500g were linked to increased asphyxia and neonatal death.
• Common morbidities included birth asphyxia (19.19%), septicemia (13.43%), jaundice (15.70%), and respiratory problems (23.0%).

Conclusions:

• Cesarean birth is associated with significant neonatal morbidity and mortality.
• Preterm birth, abnormal birth weight, and maternal parity are key risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes.
• Targeted interventions for high-risk infants and mothers undergoing cesarean delivery are warranted.