Fetal outcomes of elective delivery

Matthew K. Hoffman, Audrey A. Merriam, Deborah B. Ehrenthal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Retrospective observational studies have suggested that delivery at or beyond 39 weeks has numerous neonatal benefits including less need for respiratory support, fewer neurodevelopmental delays and lower health care costs. This has lead governmental agencies, and professional organizations to endorse a policy of limiting elective delivery prior to 39 weeks. Nonetheless, studies which have examined the implications of instituting such policies, have demonstrated mixed benefits and signaled some concerns about unintended outcomes, such as stillbirth. This chapter will detail the evidence that these policies have on certain neonatal outcomes and examine why the promise of such policies may remain unfilled.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)401-414
Number of pages14
JournalClinical obstetrics and gynecology
Volume57
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fetal outcomes of elective delivery'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this