Caesarean Section for Fetal Distress, the Interval From Decision to Delivery, and the Relative Risk of Poor Neonatal Condition

SummarySummaryThere were 9387 deliveries within the study period, of which 104 (1·1 per cent) were caesarean sections for fetal distress in labour, with a singleton cephalic presentation at 37 or more weeks gestational age. Caesarean section for fetal distress was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of poor neonatal condition as defined by low Apgar scores (P<0·-001) or special care baby unit admission for asphyxia (P<0·001): but not with any increased incidence of fetal scalp blood or umbilical arterial or venous acidaemia.There was an association (P<0·05) between the interval between decision to deliver and operative delivery, and admission to the special care unit. The relative risk doubled between a 10 and a 35 minute interval. No correlation was found between the decision delivery interval and 1 or 5 minute Apgar scores, or cord arterial and venous acid-base results.A short interval from decision to delivery may be important if optimal neonatal condition is to be achieved.