Abstract
Objectives Does the incidence and/or indication(s) for emergency cesarean section differ if the pregnant woman has an immigrant background (IB)? Does a lack of language proficiency (communication problems) and a low acculturation level result in a longer decision-to-delivery interval (D-D interval)? Are neonates born to women with IB by emergency cesarean section in a poorer condition post delivery? Patient cohorts and method Standardized interviews were carried out before or immediately after delivery in three Berlin obstetric hospitals. Questions were asked about the sociodemographic background and care aspects as well as about immigration and level of acculturation. Collected data were linked to information obtained from the expectant motherʼs antenatal records and to care data and perinatal data routinely recorded by the hospitals. Data was analyzed using regression models which adjusted for age, parity, and socio-economic status. Results The total patient population consisted of 7100 women (rate of response: 89.6%); of these women, 111 required emergency cesarean section (50 women without IB, 61 immigrant women). Risk factors such as late first antenatal check-up, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, fetal macrosomia, smoking, and weight gain were similar in both patient cohorts. The incidence of and indications for emergency cesarean section and the D-D interval were similar for both groups. Limited German language proficiency and low levels of acculturation among immigrant women did not prolong the D-D interval. There were no statistically relevant differences between immigrant and non-immigrant cohorts with regard to adverse neonatal conditions (5-minute Apgar score ≤ 7, umbilical cord arterial pH < 7.00) or with regard to immediate transfer of the neonate to a pediatric clinic following emergency cesarean section. Conclusion The factor “immigrant background” did not affect the indication or obstetric outcome following emergency cesarean section.
Highlights
Cesarean section can be a life-saving procedure for mother and child, but it is always associated with risks and should only be carried out if it is indicated for maternal and/or fetal reasons [1, 2]
Does the incidence and/or indication(s) for emergency cesarean section differ if the pregnant woman has an immigrant background (IB)? Does a lack of language proficiency and a low acculturation level result in a longer decision-to-delivery interval (D‐D interval)? Are neonates born to women with IB by emergency cesarean section in a poorer condition post delivery? Patient cohorts and method Standardized interviews were carried out before or immediately after delivery in three Berlin obstetric hospitals
The total patient population consisted of 7100 women; of these women, 111 required emergency cesarean section (50 women without IB, 61 immigrant women)
Summary
Cesarean section can be a life-saving procedure for mother and child, but it is always associated with risks and should only be carried out if it is indicated for maternal and/or fetal reasons [1, 2]. The cesarean section rate is considered an important obstetric quality indicator [3, 4]. Cesarean section (CS) rates may be higher if there is increased demand for CS among pregnant women; on the other hand, a low CS incidence can be interpreted as an indication of obstetric shortages. The decision to carry out emergency cesarean section is a complex process which develops in a specific concrete obstetric situation and requires realization and rapid assessment of the risky situation and fast decision-making. The interval between the indication for emergency cesarean section and delivery of the infant should be as short as possible. The aim is to achieve a decision-to-delivery (D‐D) interval of under 20 minutes [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
