Short Term Outcomes of Early Term Neonates in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Study

Introduction: The number of babies delivered between 37 weeks to 38 weeks and 6 days has been on the rise with increase in lower segment caesarian section (LSCS). These early term neonates have increased risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, transient tachypnoea, prolonged hospital stays, hypothermia, and feeding difficulty, when compared to a term neonate. An audit of early term neonatal short-term outcomes was undertaken at our institute.

Methodology: A retrospective descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out between July 2020 and December 2020 at a private medical college Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Neonates with a gestation age of 37 weeks and 0 days to 38 weeks and 6 days born were included.

Results: A total of 137 early term delivery data were obtained. Hypothyroidism (23%) and gestational diabetes (23%) were found to be the most common associated antenatal problems. The most common morbidity out of 137 early term neonates was neonatal jaundice 91(66.4%) followed by respiratory distress which affected 38 (28%) neonates.

Conclusion: This study establishes the high incidence of neonatal jaundice and respiratory morbidities in early term neonates. Hence it is better to avoid elective LSCS before 39 weeks of gestation provided there are no medical indications for the same.