Caesarean delivery, also known as C-section, is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world. In fact, approximately one in three babies in the United States is delivered via C-section.

While C-sections can save lives and prevent complications during childbirth, recent studies have shown a connection between C-sections and obesity later in life.

What is a Caesarean Delivery?

A C-section is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.

It is usually done when vaginal delivery is considered unsafe for the mother or baby, or when the mother has certain health conditions such as HIV or genital herpes. Other reasons for C-sections include a baby in breech position, multiple births, or a large baby.

The Connection Between Caesarean Delivery and Obesity

Recent studies have found that babies delivered via C-section are more likely to become obese later in life. One study published in the Journal of Obesity followed over 1,200 children from birth to age 15.

The study found that children born via C-section had a 15% higher chance of being overweight or obese than children born vaginally. Another study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that up to 40% of children born via C-section were overweight or obese by age seven.

It’s important to note that C-section delivery itself does not cause obesity. Rather, there are several factors that may contribute to the increased risk of obesity in children born via C-section.

Mother’s Microbiome

One factor is the mother’s microbiome, which refers to the collection of bacteria that live in and on the human body.

During vaginal delivery, a newborn is exposed to bacteria in the mother’s birth canal, which help to establish a healthy microbiome in the baby’s gut. However, C-section delivery bypasses the birth canal, and newborns are not exposed to these beneficial bacteria.

As a result, C-section babies may have a less diverse and less healthy microbiome, which has been linked to obesity and other health problems.

Mode of Feeding

Another factor is the mode of feeding. Breastfeeding has been shown to help reduce the risk of obesity in children.

However, mothers who deliver via C-section may have a more difficult time breastfeeding due to pain, slower milk production, and other factors. In addition, C-section babies may also be separated from their mothers for longer periods of time, which can make it more difficult for mothers to establish breastfeeding.

As a result, C-section babies may be more likely to be formula-fed, which has been associated with an increased risk of obesity.

Epigenetic Changes

Finally, some researchers believe that C-section delivery may lead to epigenetic changes, which are changes in gene expression that are not caused by alterations to the DNA code itself.

Epigenetic changes may be caused by environmental factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins. Some studies have suggested that C-section delivery may lead to changes in the expression of genes related to metabolism and adiposity, which could contribute to the risk of obesity later in life.

What Can be Done?

While C-section delivery is sometimes necessary, there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of obesity in children born via C-section:.

Provide C-section babies with a diverse and healthy microbiome by exposing them to beneficial bacteria through probiotics or other means.
Promote and support breastfeeding for C-section mothers and babies.
Encourage a healthy, balanced diet and physical activity for all children, regardless of their mode of delivery.
Reduce unnecessary C-sections by promoting and supporting vaginal birth whenever possible.

Conclusion

C-section delivery is a common surgical procedure that can save lives and prevent complications during childbirth. However, recent studies have shown a connection between C-section delivery and obesity later in life.

While the exact reasons for this connection are not fully understood, it is believed that factors such as the mother’s microbiome, mode of feeding, and epigenetic changes may contribute to the increased risk of obesity in children born via C-section. By promoting and supporting healthy practices such as breastfeeding, a balanced diet, and physical activity, we can help reduce the risk of obesity and promote overall health in all children.