The respiratory consequences of early-term birth and delivery by caesarean sections

In England and Wales, 19% of live births in 2012 were at 37-38 weeks ’ gestation, equating to nearly 140 000 early-term births each year. Since caesarean sections (CS) are often performed at early-term gestations, this accounts for some of the increased proportion of the early-term births. Infants born early-term are at an increased risk of neonatal respiratory mor bidity particularly if they are delivered by caesarean section. The long term lung function data are limited but available data suggest that early-term delivery is associated with respiratory morbidity in childhood.
Source: Paediatric Respiratory Reviews - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research