[Timing of elective term caesarean sections; trends in the Netherlands]

To analyse if from 2000-2010 the rate of elective caesarean sections (CS) before 39 0/7 weeks of gestation declined when compared with all elective CS, and to evaluate the possible associated factors.

Retrospective cohort study.

Using data from The Netherlands Perinatal Registry, all term elective CS (n = 59,653) from 2000-2010 were selected. Trends in patient characteristics and in performing an elective CS before 39 0/7 weeks were analysed using regression analysis, and differences between hospitals using the χ2 test. Using multiple logistic regression analysis it was analysed which factors were associated with performing an elective CS before 39 0/7 weeks.

The percentage of elective CS before 39 0/7 weeks decreased from 56% in 2000 to 43% in 2010 (p < 0.0001). In peripheral hospitals an elective SC was performed more often before 39+0 weeks than in academic hospitals; 53% in peripheral teaching hospitals, 57% in peripheral non-teaching hospitals, and 46% in academic hospitals. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 1.38 (1.30-1.47) in peripheral teaching hospitals, and 1.55 (1.46-1.65) in peripheral non-teaching hospitals. In hospitals where the number of deliveries per year was situated in the lower quartile, elective CS before 39 0/7 weeks was carried out more often than in hospitals where deliveries per year were in the upper quartile, 60% versus 52% (p < 0.0001).

In the period 2000-2009 the timing of elective CS improved marginally. In 2010 the trend began to decline, even though 43% of elective caesarean sections were still carried out before 39 0/7 weeks. This results in a higher risk of neonatal morbidity and health problems in long-term.