Gestational timing and early neonatal outcomes in Palestine: a multicentre retrospective cohort study
By
Motee Abuawwad
Mohammad Ibrahim Ghannam
Salahaldeen Deeb
Alaa Rashed Naji Said
Mohammed A. Taqatqah
Yousef Joulani
Bayan Abed Rabu
Ala Dwaib
Deema Alzeer
Salwa Sheikh Kasem
Hatem Mousa Khamash
Asmaa A. Rjoob
June 24, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Timing of Delivery and Early Neonatal Outcomes in Palestine: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Analysis
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Elective Caesarean Section Timing Key Mechanisms Impact of gestational timing on neonatal morbidity Target Population Liveborn singleton infants delivered at 34 weeks or later Care Setting Tertiary hospitals in Palestine
Key Highlights
Composite neonatal morbidity highest after late-preterm elective caesarean section (49.0%) Elective caesarean section before 39 weeks associated with higher early neonatal morbidity Late-preterm elective caesarean section linked to NICU admission and respiratory complications Early-term elective caesarean section also associated with increased composite morbidity Study conducted in two Palestinian hospitals from January 2021 to December 2024 Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess gestational age using best obstetric estimate for delivery timing Management
Avoid non-medically indicated elective caesarean sections before 39 weeks Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor for respiratory support needs and other complications in neonates Risks
Increased risk of NICU admission and respiratory distress in late-preterm deliveries Patient & Prescribing Data
Singleton infants delivered at 34 weeks or later
Elective caesarean sections before 39 weeks should be carefully considered
Clinical Best Practices
Document clinical indications for elective caesarean sections thoroughly Ensure senior review of planned deliveries before 39 weeks Related Resources & Content
