Caesarean section and birth weight at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital--preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: This preliminary retrospective survey was done to find out whether the indications for Caesarean Section had any bearing on the birth weight.

METHOD: The foetal outcome for 673 parturients who delivered at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital between September 1, 1998 and December 31, 1998 was analysed.

RESULT: Caesarean section done for cephalopelvic disproportion and for 2 or more previous sections yielded the highest mean birth weight (3.43 kg +/- 0.02 kg) and the best foetal outcome. Hypertensive disorders yielded the lowest mean birth weight (1.8 kg +/- 0.3 kg) and poorest foetal outcome. The mean parity and age of the parturients were similarly distributed.

CONCLUSION: The birth weights appeared to vary with the indications for Caesarean section. Confounding factors such as the gestational age, parity and age of the parturients need to be controlled in a prospective study in future. Good antenatal supervision could improve on the birth weights.