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.
D001034:Apgar Score; D001946:Breech Presentation; D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D011247:Pregnancy