Cesarean section in premature delivery.

Abstract

Cesarean sections were performed in 24 cases before the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy. Despite the fact that the indications for the operations were severe obstetric complications, the perinatal mortality was 25%, which should be compared to 23% for all children born in Sweden at that age., 2 of the surviving children developed definite neurological sequelae, which is a lower incidence than reported for vaginal premature deliveries. The results indicate that cesarean section can be recommended even for deliveries before the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy for fetal indications such as breech presentation, premature rupture of the membranes, premature labor with rigid cervix and for fetal asphyxia.