What we have learned about scheduling elective repeat cesarean delivery at term

The optimal timing of delivery in the setting of various clinical conditions and scenarios remains one of the most common questions for obstetric providers. Over the past 5–10 years, the optimal timing of delivery at term, particularly for elective repeat cesareans, has been the subject of considerable investigation and discussion. There is an increasing consensus that when women opt for an elective repeat cesarean delivery, it should be performed at term rather than preterm. The recent redefinition of the “term” period into early term (37–38 weeks), full-term (39–40 weeks), late term (41 weeks), and post term designations (≥42 weeks) underscores observed heterogeneity in outcomes following delivery at term.
Source: Seminars in Perinatology - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Source Type: research