Is pediatric attendance necessary for all cesarean sections?

The authors analyzed mode of delivery and resuscitation rates in a group of 1410 newborns. Comparisons were made between vaginal and cesarean deliveries, and these were further stratified with regard to whether cesarean section was performed as a routine elective procedure or whether an indication existed that necessitated operative delivery of the child (nonelective). A significantly increased risk for resuscitation was found in the cesarean section group overall when compared to vaginal deliveries. The risk of resuscitation after repeat elective cesarean section was low, and this risk increased significantly in the nonelective cesarean delivery group. As the risk of resuscitation after elective repeat cesarean sections is not significantly increased, it may not be necessary that a pediatrician be present at these deliveries.