Foetal outcome by the weeks of gestation in spontaneous vaginal delivery at term

Abstract

The gestational age at which the delivery occurs is important in determining the perinatal outcome. In this study, the foetal outcome was analysed according to the gestational age in weeks in spontaneous vaginal delivery occurring between 36 completed weeks to 40 completed weeks of gestation. To study the foetal outcome according to the weeks of gestation in spontaneous vaginal delivery occurring between 36 completed weeks to 40 completed weeks of gestation. A retrospective study of women who spontaneously delivered vaginally, at gestational age between 36 completed weeks to 40 completed weeks from 1 July 2019 to 30 September 2019 was conducted at GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Sola.Total 390 cases were studied.Foetal outcome in terms of birth weight, APGAR score at 1 minute, and NICU admissions were noted and analysed according to the weeks of gestation at delivery, and entered into a database.The results were analysed and presented in the form of tables and graphs. The average birth weight increased with increase in the weeks of gestation at the time of the spontaneous delivery. The average birth weight of neonates born in 36th, 37th and 38th week was 2.314Kg, 2.623Kg and 2.704Kg, respectively. 14.28% of the babies born in the 36th week of gestation were admitted to the NICU. 4.705% and 4.347% of the babies born in the 37thand 38th week of gestation respectively, were admitted to the NICU.The Mean APGAR score of the neonates born in 36th, 37th, 38th and 39th week were 8.714, 9.235, 9.347, and 9.645, respectively. Thus, the mean APGAR score increased by the weeks of gestation at the time of the spontaneous delivery. Unnecessary induction of labour or elective LSCS before 39 weeks should be discouraged. In case of elective deliveries, unless there is a health risk to the mother or baby, it is best to wait to deliver until reaching full term at 39 weeks.