Patient demographics
The mean (SD) duration of pregnancy for this cohort (n=20) was 39 ± 0.44 weeks. The indications for elective CS were abnormal lie and previous CS with no labour. Recruited mothers were of Caucasian ethnicity, had uncomplicated antenatal histories and did not have a previous history of acute or chronic disease. Delivery of neonates was uncomplicated; all had Apgar scores of 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, and 10 at 10 minutes. The mean birth weight was 3.48 + 0.27 kg (3.56 kg + 0.33 (SD) in male neonates and 3.37 kg + 0.29 (SD) in female neonates; p=0.127). All neonates had an uncomplicated postnatal course and were discharged with their mothers.