ABSTRACT
The gestational age at which obstetric training programs aggressively manage and attempt
to salvage preterm vertex fetuses in distress was determined by survey. More than
half the programs initiate fetal monitoring and perform cesarean section for certain
cases of fetal distress by 26 weeks gestational age. By 28 weeks gestational age,
most programs consistently perform a cesarean delivery for a vertex fetus in distress.
Management practices in university training programs appear to be more aggressive
than those in nonuniversity programs. Not all programs-either within or outside the
university-try aggressively to salvage fetuses in distress at 28 weeks gestational
age or more, however, despite the excellent chance for survival and normal development.
