Both primary and repeat cesareans have increased. Increases in primary cesareans in cases of “no indicated risk” have been more rapid than in the overall population and seem the result of changes in obstetric practice rather than changes in the medical risk profile or increases in “maternal request.” Several studies note an increased risk for neonatal and maternal mortality for medically elective cesareans compared with vaginal births.

The Relationship Between Cesarean Delivery and Gestational Age Among US Singleton Births

The increasing trend of delivering at earlier gestational ages has raised concerns of the impact on maternal and infant health. The delicate balance of the risks and benefits associated with continuing a pregnancy versus delivering early remains challenging. Among singleton live births in the United States, the proportion of preterm births increased from 9.7% to 10.7% between 1996 and 2004.

The increase in singleton preterm births occurred primarily among those delivered by cesarean section, with the largest percentage increase in late preterm births. For all maternal racial/ethnic groups, singleton cesarean section rates increased for each gestational age group. Singleton cesarean section rates for non-Hispanic black women increased at a faster pace among all preterm gestational age groups compared with non-Hispanic white and Hispanic women.

Further research is needed to understand the underlying reasons for the increase in cesarean section deliveries resulting in preterm birth.

Late Preterm Infants, Early Term Infants, and Timing of Elective Deliveries

Delivery of infants who are physiologically mature and capable of successful transition to the extrauterine environment is an important priority for obstetric practitioner. A corollary of this goal is to avoid iatrogenic complications of prematurity and maternal complications from delivery.

The purpose of this review is to describe the consequences of birth before physiologic maturity in late preterm and term infants, to identify factors contributing to the decline in gestational age of deliveries in the United States, and to describe strategies to reduce premature delivery of late preterm and early term infants.

Source: Abstracts from the June Issue of Clinics in Perinatology

Also see the news story by Amy Tuteur Late Prematurity Rising As A Result Of C-sections published in today's issue of eMaxHealth Childbirth.