Headlining in today’s news was the results of a new study which show that small for gestational age babies and preterm babies are no safer being born by cesarean section than vaginal delivery.

 

Confused as to why this is new news? So am I.

 

According to the study, practitioners are still widely recommending c-section deliveries over vaginal deliveries for infants who are both preterm and small for gestational age due to the “assumption” that these infant cannot handle the stress of a natural birth. However, the results of the study show that cesareans are no safer for them, in fact, may even contribute to breathing problems common after preterm births.

 

I’m stunned! How such a erroneous  “assumption” could have been made in the first place? Have there not been any definitive studies to guide and justify the practice of performing cesareans on small preterm babies?

 

This new study will be honored by the March of Dimes this upcoming Thursday as progress towards helping to prevent premature births and complications.

 

About Preterm and Small for Gestational Age Babies

 

Small for gestational age babies (SGA) are babies who are smaller than expected for their current gestational age.  This may occur for a variety of reasons including problems with the placenta or umbilical cord, material use of drugs or cigarettes, anemia, infections, kidney problems, etc. Women who are experiencing pregnancy at 40 or  pregnancy at 45 or those diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes may be at an increased risk for SGA.

 

In cases where the baby is severely SGA it may be determined that prompt delivery of the baby is necessary for the baby’s overall health and well being. If this delivery occurs prior to 37 weeks, this is considered preterm delivery.

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