No need for pediatricians to be present at all C-sections

Because there is no increased incidence of infant resuscitation during cesarean sections performed with regional anesthesia for reasons other than fetal distress or malpresentation, pediatricians need not be present, according to a recent cohort study from Australia.

Researchers reviewed almost 45,000 cases of singleton infants delivered by C/S or spontaneous vaginal delivery. They found no significant difference in the need for resuscitation between the two as long as the C/S was performed using regional anesthesia. General anesthesia, fetal distress, and noncephalic presentation increased the need for resuscitation, and thus probably continue to warrant the presence of an advanced skills practitioner.

Gordon A, Mckechnie EJ, Jeffery H. Pediatric presence at cesarean section: justified or not? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005;193:599-605.