Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
08:49
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
Caesarean section versus vaginal delivery for preterm birth in singletons
Zarko Alfirevic1, Stephen J Milan, Stefania Livio
1Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. zarko@liverpool.ac.uk.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 15, 2012
Summary
Planned caesarean delivery for preterm labor shows no significant difference in infant outcomes but may increase maternal complications. More research is needed, but difficult recruitment hinders progress in evaluating delivery modes for preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Care
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Planned caesarean delivery for preterm labor may protect infants but poses risks to mother and baby.
- The optimal delivery method for preterm infants (cephalic or breech) remains controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of planned immediate caesarean delivery versus planned vaginal birth for women in preterm labor.
Main Methods:
- Searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register for randomized trials.
- Included six studies (122 women), with four studies (116 women) contributing to analyses.
- Independently assessed trials, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in infant birth injury, asphyxia, or perinatal deaths between planned caesarean and vaginal delivery.
- Maternal complications were higher in the planned caesarean group (7 cases vs. 0).
- Vaginal delivery was associated with a lower risk of maternal puerperal pyrexia and other infections.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence exists to evaluate planned immediate caesarean delivery for preterm infants.
- Further research is required, but participant recruitment challenges persist.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...