Timing for Elective Cesarean Sections: Have We Got It Right? A 5-year Retrospective Study among Healthy Mothers in Hospital Putrajaya, Malaysia

Ab s t r Ac t Introduction: Studies have shown that elective cesarean sections performed before the 39-week period of gestation have increased risks of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite this, many elective cases are still performed before this in view of risk associated with emergency cesarean sections. The objective of this study is to determine the neonatal outcome among patients who had elective cesarean section earlier than the 39-week period of gestation. Materials and methods: Based on the elective cesarean section list from 2013 to 2017, patients with no comorbidity who had elective cesarean section for malpresentation, subfertility, and those who declined the trial of vaginal delivery were identified. The outcome of the delivery particularly looking into neonatal NICU admission and reasons of admission were then explored. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 435 of 918 (47.36%) healthy patients had elective cesarean sections. There was significant differences in neonatal admission who had cesarean section at 37, 38, and 39 weeks among the healthy [X2 (4, N = 438) = 10.276, p = 0.036]. There were 26 (2.83%) patients who had an uncomplicated emergency cesarean section prior to an elective date given. Conclusion: Neonates who were born to healthy mothers had significantly less NICU admissions if they were delivered after the 39-week period of gestation between the patients.