Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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The aim was to evaluate the effect of caesarean delivery on the neonatal outcome after labour with fetal distress and/or meconium staining (MS). We audited 199 caesarean sections performed for non-reassuring fetal condition (NRFC) and/or MS in a rural regional hospital. The 1 and 5 min Apgar scores were compared with those of 33 vaginal births after labour with MS. ⋯ In the caesarean section group for NRFC, there were two fresh stillbirths and one early neonatal death, a perinatal mortality of 15.1/1,000 births. The 5 min Apgar score was not statistically significantly affected by the mode of delivery. Caesarean delivery does not improve the neonatal outcome when the amniotic fluid is meconium stained.