Male fetuses and the risk of cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reported increased rate of cesarean sections in women carrying male fetuses. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of all deliveries in 2001 was performed. All singleton deliveries were enrolled. We compared fetal sex distribution in cesarean sections performed for various indications. The study had 80% power to detect a difference in the cesarean section rate in women carrying male and female fetuses. RESULTS: The overall cesarean section rate was similar in women with male or female fetuses, 19.7% and 19.1%, respectively. This lack of association was also found in specific subgroups of cesarean indications: non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern, fetal distress, nonprogressive labor, elective cesarean, suspected macrosomia, abnormal lie and severe preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: In contrast with previous investigators, we did not find an increased risk of cesarean section in women carrying male fetuses.