A Review of Caesarean Sections at 30 Weeks Gestation or Less in the West of Scotland 1988–1989

Abstract

A retrospective study was carried out of caesarean sections at 30 completed weeks of gestation or less between 1/1/88 and 31/12/89 in Glasgow and The West of Scotland.

One hundred and thirty-three caesarean sections were carried out resulting in 150 babies. Fifteen (11.3%) of these were classical sections. There were 30 neonatal deaths. The perinatal mortality rate was 170 per 1000. Survival was related to increasing gestation from 27 weeks onwards and also to birthweight from 900 grams onwards. In-utero transfers fared badly with seven out of 21 babies (33%) failing to survive beyond the neonatal period. Although survival continues to improve in newborns, the use of caesarean section should still be viewed with caution as the benefits in the very premature situation with regard to infant survival may be outweighed by the increased maternal morbidity both in the present pregnancy and future pregnancies.