American journal of perinatology
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Preterm birth before 23 weeks of gestation typically results in neonatal death (5% survival). Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published consensus guidelines recommending cesarean delivery (CD) not be performed for fetal indications between 20 and 226/7 weeks given the lack of proven benefit. We sought to quantify the previable CD rate and identify characteristics associated with previable CD. ⋯ Nearly 1 out of 10 births during the previable period was delivered via cesarean. Factors associated with previable CD suggest intent for neonatal interventions, such as NICU admission and supportive therapies. Our findings support that education and adherence with guidelines for care of previable births are a potential area of focus for perinatal quality improvement efforts.