RESUMO
AIM: Our aim was to explore the under-researched associations between an elective Caesarean section (C-section) at early-term or full-term gestation and behaviour at 6-8 years of age. METHODS: We identified 1220 eligible children born by elective C-sections at Danish hospital from 2009 to 2011. Their mothers were randomised to elective C-sections at either 38+3 (early-term) or 39+3 (full-term) weeks of gestation. From December 2017 to August 2018, the parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The results were adjusted for maternal education, parity and the child's sex. RESULTS: Of the 574 (45%) children followed up, 288 were delivered early-term and 286 were delivered full-term. The groups had similar baseline characteristics. There were no differences in the total difficulties score, subscale scores or the risk of being classified as having a possible or probable psychiatric disorder. Early-term boys had a lower risk of being classified as having a possible or probable psychiatric disorder and early-term girls had higher risk, but the results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We found no difference in behaviour at 6-8 years of age between children born by elective C-section at early- versus full-term gestation.