Publication:

A prospective study of maternal complications as predictors of C-sections and their impact on neonatal outcomes

Background Rising cesarean section (C-section) rates globally have emphasized the need to identify maternal complications that necessitate surgical intervention and their consequences for neonatal health.

Methods This prospective observational study was conducted over six months at a government hospital in Dharashiv, involving 100 pregnant women undergoing C-sections due to complications such as oligohydramnios, hypertension and fetal distress. Data were collected using structured tools and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test to explore maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results Oligohydramnios (53%) emerged as the leading indication for C-sections, followed by previous cesarean delivery and breech presentation (14% each). Primigravida women accounted for the majority of cases (66%). Most deliveries occurred at term (81%) and while 58 neonates had normal birth weight, 41 were low birth weight. Postoperative maternal complications were primarily severe pain, back pain and headache. Neonatal complications included respiratory distress, jaundice and meconium aspiration, with APGAR scores significantly improving from 1 to 5 minutes.

Conclusions The study underscores the critical role of early detection and management of maternal complications in reducing adverse neonatal outcomes and highlights the importance of individualized, evidence-based care to optimize C-section indications and improve maternal-neonatal health.