Mode of delivery and survival in babies weighing less than 2000 g at birth

A retrospective study of babies weighing less than 2000 g at birth admitted over a four-year period to Nottingham City Hospital Neonatal Unit showed a higher incidence of lower Apgar scores and the need for intubation in babies born by caesarean section and breech deliveries. Mortality in those delivered by the breech (35%) was statistically higher than those by caesarean section (10%) or vertex (14%). It is concluded that small babies born by breech delivery have a higher mortality than when delivered vaginally and should have the benefit of caesarean section.