A new study has found a correlation between caesarean section (C-section) and increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children.

Published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, the study analysed data from over 20,000 children born in Sweden between 1982 and 2015.

The study findings

The study found that children born via C-section had a 33% higher risk of developing ASD than children born through vaginal delivery.

The study also found that the risk was higher for children born before 37 weeks of gestation than for children born at full term.

The researchers noted that the study does not prove causation but rather suggests a link between C-section and an increased risk of developing ASD.

What causes the link?

The study does not provide a clear explanation for the link between C-section and ASD risk.

However, previous research has suggested a possible link between exposure to anaesthesia during C-section and changes in the brain structure of the newborn, leading to neurodevelopmental problems.

Another theory suggests that the lack of exposure to the mother’s vaginal microbiome during C-section could lead to changes in the baby’s gut bacteria, which could affect the development of the immune system and the brain.

Other factors affecting the risk of ASD

The study found that other factors, such as maternal age, parental education level and income, and the child’s birth weight and sex, were also associated with an increased risk of ASD.

However, the study’s authors noted that these factors did not account for the increased risk associated with C-section.

The implications for mothers and healthcare providers

The findings of the study could have implications for mothers and healthcare providers. The World Health Organization recommends that C-section rates should not exceed 10-15% of total births.

However, in many countries, including the US, C-section rates are much higher than the recommended levels. The study’s authors suggest that healthcare providers should consider the potential risks associated with C-section and only recommend the procedure when medically necessary.

For mothers who have had C-sections, the study’s findings do not necessarily mean that their child will develop ASD. The increased risk associated with C-section is still relatively small, and many children born via C-section do not develop ASD.

The need for further research

The study’s authors note that further research is needed to better understand the link between C-section and ASD risk.

Longitudinal studies that follow children born via C-section from birth to adulthood could shed more light on the potential long-term effects of the procedure on neurodevelopment.

Conclusion

The study adds to the growing body of research on the potential risks associated with C-section.

While C-sections are sometimes necessary for medical reasons, healthcare providers and mothers should be aware of the potential risks associated with the procedure. The findings of the study also highlight the need for further research to better understand the link between C-section and ASD risk.