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.