Fetal Outcome in Preterm Cesarean Section

Amra; Wagma Basir; Syeda Hina Shah; Sania Tanweer Khattak

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i3.2552

Authors

Amra Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat, KP, Pakistan.
Wagma Basir Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat, KP, Pakistan.
Syeda Hina Shah Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat, KP, Pakistan.
Sania Tanweer Khattak Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat, KP, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i3.2552

Keywords:

Apgar Score, Cesarean Section, Fetal Mortality, Neonatal Sepsis, Preterm Birth, Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Preterm cesarean section mean operative delivery of fetus before 37 weeks of gestation. This intervention usually indicated in obstetric complications like preeclampsia, fetal distress, or placental disorders, but it associate with increased neonatal morbidity because of immature organ development and poor pulmonary adaptation. In spite of improvement in obstetric and neonatal management, the perinatal outcome after preterm cesarean section still represent major clinical concern in resource-limited region like Swat, Pakistan. Objective: To determine the frequency of fetal outcome in patients with preterm cesarean section. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: The study was conducted from March 2024 to August 2024 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat. Methodology: A total of 172 women aged 18–40 years with singleton pregnancies less than 37 weeks were enrolled. Each underwent cesarean delivery under consultant supervision. Neonatal outcomes including death within seven days, infection confirmed by laboratory criteria, respiratory distress, and Apgar score after five minutes were recorded and analyzed using statistical software. Results: The mean maternal age was 28.45 years, and the mean gestational age was 31.63 weeks. Neonatal mortality occurred in 9.90% of cases, respiratory distress syndrome in 43.60%, sepsis in 3.50%, and low Apgar scores in 24.40% of newborns. Conclusion: Preterm cesarean section is associated with considerable neonatal morbidity and mortality. Strengthening antenatal care, optimizing timing of delivery, and ensuring skilled neonatal support are essential to improve outcomes.

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