The Effects of Mode of Delivery on 5-Minute APGAR Score and Neonatal Outcomes: A Cross-sectional Study in Kirkuk, Iraq

Background: The Apgar score assessed at five minutes serves as a vital measure of a neonate's capacity to survive and thrive. Objective: To assess the relationship between mode of delivery at term and neonatal APGAR score at 5 minutes and neonatal outcomes. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the labor ward of the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk City, Iraq, from 1st of October 2022 to 1st of October 2023. The study sample included 150 pregnant women at term with labor. The mode of delivery was decided by the obstetrician in the labor ward. The APGAR score at 5 minutes and other neonatal outcomes were assessed by the pediatrician in the labor room and followed up for one week after delivery. Results: The mode of delivery was distributed as follows: spontaneous vaginal delivery (26.7%), instrumental vaginal delivery (20.6%), elective cesarean section (26%), and emergency cesarean section (26.7%). The mean APGAR score at 5 minutes for neonates was 7; 12% of them had an intermediate APGAR score, and 17.3% of them had a low APGAR score. The mean APGAR score at 5 minutes was significantly lower in neonates delivered by instrumental vaginal delivery (p