Low-risk planned caesarean versus planned vaginal delivery at term: early and late infantile outcomes

BACKGROUND: Understanding the impact of delivery mode on neonatal morbidity becomes essential in the context of rising Caesarian delivery rates. AIMS: We aimed to compare the selected outcomes in neonates born by low-risk planned Caesarian delivery versus planned normal vaginal delivery (NVD). METHODS: This prospective cohort study examined early, and late neonatal complications among 1071 neonates born through low-risk planned Caesarian delivery and 1367 neonates born through planned NVD, in Fars, Islamic Republic of Iran, during 2012-2014. RESULTS: Gestational age of neonates born through Caesarian delivery was significantly lower than their counterparts in NVD group. Accordingly, babies' birth weights were 3166 (±442.4) grams in Caesarian delivery group and 3213 (±454.8) grams in NVD group. Normal skin colour at birth was more prevalent in the Caesarian delivery group compared to the NVD group (85% vs. 81.3%, P = 0.04). No significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding birth trauma, birth height and head circumference, and developing infection, icterus and convulsion during neonatal period. Also, height and weight at two years of age did not significantly differ in both groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that neonates born by Caesarian delivery and NVD had the same early and late outcomes.