Introduction:
Research has shown that early elective
delivery without medical or obstetrical indication is linked to neonatal morbidities
with no benefit to the mother or infant. The American Congress of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists (ACOG) publications, (1979, 1999, 2009) have consistently advised
against non-medically indicated elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks
gestation. Recent studies highlight concerns that late
preterm and possibly early term deliveries may increase babies’ risk of brain
injury and long-term neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Approximately
50% of cortical volume growth occurs between 34 and 40 weeks. At 37 weeks, the brain weighs only 80% of the
weight at 40 weeks and gray matter volume increases at a rate of 1.4% per week
between 36 and 40 weeks. Similarly, there is rapid growth of the
cerebellum with approximately 25% of its volume developing after the late
preterm period. MRI evaluation
in preterm infants has shown an impairment of the cerebellar growth compared to
term infants.
OB EED Banners:
In 2014, hospitals received congratulatory banners for their hard work reducing Early Elective Deliveries at their facility. Click here to see pictures of the teams!
Resources:
Healthy Tennessee Babies Are Worth The Wait
Information Resources for Providers
