Does performing cesarean section after onset of labor has positive effect on neonatal respiratory disorders?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether neonatal respiratory disorders relate to the onset of labor or labor pain in patients with history of previous cesarean section. METHODS: This prospective controlled study comprised 164 patients, grouped according to the presence of labor and related labor pain. All patients in both groups were applied cesarean section at 38 weeks gestational age or beyond due to previous cesarean section. The cord blood pH, Apgar scores and the need for the neonatal intensive care unit were compared. RESULTS: There was a greater need for the neonatal intensive care unit in the control group and the cord blood pH values were higher in the study group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of Apgar scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The onset of labor and related labor pain provide a positive contribution to a reduction in neonatal respiratory disorders. Therefore, it can be considered reasonable to perform a cesarean section after the onset of labor or related pain.