Impact of elective caesarean section on neonatal retrieval in Western Australia during a 12-year period.

Objective: To determine whether 2006 Australian national guidance to delay elective caesarean section until 39 weeks' gestation would reduce the need for neonatal retrieval for respiratory compromise following elective caesarean.

Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study comparing infants born by elective caesarean section who required retrieval for respiratory distress in Western Australia before and after the national guidance (2003-2006 vs. 2008-2014).