Caesarean delivery, also known as C-section, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.

It is usually performed when vaginal delivery is not possible or safe for the mother and/or the baby. C-section rates have been steadily increasing worldwide, comprising around 20-30% of all deliveries in the United States and Europe.

Types of Caesarean Delivery

There are two main types of C-section: elective and emergency. An elective C-section is planned in advance, usually for medical reasons such as placenta previa, multiple pregnancies, or previous C-sections.

An emergency C-section is performed when unexpected complications arise during labor or delivery, such as fetal distress, breech position, or maternal hemorrhage.

Risks and Benefits of Caesarean Delivery

Although C-section can be life-saving in some situations, it also carries risks for both the mother and the baby. Some of the risks of C-section include:.

Infection of the surgical site or the uterus
Bleeding or transfusion
Adverse reactions to anesthesia or medication
Damage to nearby organs, such as the bladder
Complications in future pregnancies, such as placenta accreta or uterine rupture
Delayed bonding and breastfeeding
Increased risk of respiratory problems for the baby

Despite these risks, C-section can also have benefits for certain mothers and babies. For example:.

Reduced risk of birth injury or trauma
Reduced risk of incontinence or pelvic floor disorders
Lower risk of vertical transmission of some infectious diseases, such as HIV
Controlled timing and delivery of the baby
Less pain and shorter recovery time for some mothers

Impact of Caesarean Delivery on Respiratory Health

One of the potential risks of C-section is an increased risk of respiratory problems for the newborn. This is due in part to the fact that the baby misses the natural secretion and compression of the chest that occurs during vaginal delivery.

As a result, the baby may experience transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), which is a condition characterized by rapid breathing, grunting, and retractions. TTN usually resolves within a few days, but may require oxygen supplementation or respiratory support in severe cases.

Another respiratory problem associated with C-section is respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which is more common in premature infants.

RDS is caused by surfactant deficiency, which is a substance that helps to keep the air sacs in the lungs open and prevents them from collapsing. Babies born by C-section before 39 weeks of gestation are at increased risk of RDS, since they may not have produced enough surfactant yet.

C-section has also been linked to an increased risk of asthma and wheezing in childhood, although the evidence is still inconclusive.

A 2014 study published in Pediatrics found that children born by C-section had a slightly higher risk of asthma and wheezing than those born vaginally, especially if they had not been breastfed or exposed to pets in early life. Another study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2018 reported a similar association, but noted that it was weaker than previously thought.

Preventing Respiratory Problems in C-Section Babies

Although C-section may increase the risk of respiratory problems in newborns, there are some measures that can be taken to minimize this risk. These include:.

Delaying cord clamping for 30-60 seconds after birth, which allows the baby to receive more blood and iron
Encouraging skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, which can help to stabilize the baby’s heart rate, breathing, and temperature
Monitoring the baby’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation regularly
Providing respiratory support, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or oxygen therapy, if the baby shows signs of respiratory distress or hypoxemia
Avoiding unnecessary interventions and medications that may interfere with the baby’s respiratory function, such as elective induction or cesarean without medical indication

Conclusion

Caesarean delivery is a common and sometimes necessary surgery that can save lives and prevent complications for some mothers and babies. However, it also carries risks, including an increased risk of respiratory problems for the newborn.

While the evidence is still evolving, it is important to be aware of these risks and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat respiratory problems in C-section babies.