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Elective planned deliveries — including induction of labor for anticipated vaginal delivery and repeat cesarean delivery — have increased in frequency for medical reasons and for the convenience of physicians and patients. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) advocates restricting elective term delivery to women with confirmed gestational age of 39 weeks and states that “cesarean delivery on maternal request should not be performed before gestational age of 39 weeks has been accurately determined unless there is documentation of lung maturity” (Obstet Gynecol 2007; 110:1501). However, concerns exist that this precept is not strictly followed, resulting in increased neonatal morbidity.
In a recent U.S. study of about 13,25…