Recommendations for the management of birth at the margins of fetal viability - a practical approach for South Africa

Abstract

Babies born at the lower limits of viability have a poor prognosis in the South African setting. Neonatal intensive and high care units are overburdened, which leads to outbreaks of resistant organisms. An equitable set of interventions, based on available resources and referral pathways is proposed for each level of care to manage pregnancies and babies around the margins of viability. It is envisaged that this will serve as a basis for each province to develop their own guideline.