Cesarean section or C-section is a surgical procedure where the baby is delivered through incisions made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.

C-sections are becoming increasingly common in modern times and account for approximately 21% of all births in the United States. While C-sections can save lives when medically necessary, they are also done for non-medical reasons that can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the infant.

One of the potential adverse effects of C-sections on the infant is alterations to their microbiome, which can have far-reaching health consequences.

The Microbiome

The human microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes that live in and on our bodies.

The microbiome plays a critical role in our health and well-being, influencing everything from digestion to immunity to mental health. The microbiome is established during early life, particularly during birth and the first few years of life.

Impact of C-section on the Infant Microbiome

Babies born through C-section are not exposed to the same microbes as those born vaginally.

When infants pass through the birth canal during vaginal delivery, they are exposed to their mother’s vaginal and fecal microbiota, as well as environmental microbes. This early exposure is thought to seed the infant microbiome and promote the development of a healthy microbiota.

In contrast, infants born through C-sections are typically born in a more sterile environment and are not exposed to maternal vaginal and fecal microbiota. Instead, they are first exposed to skin and environmental microbes that can lead to a less diverse and less healthy microbiome.

C-section and Increased Risk of Health Problems

Research has linked alterations to the microbiome in infants born via C-section to an increased risk of health problems later in life, including asthma, allergies, obesity, and autoimmune diseases.

This is thought to be due to the altered microbiome leading to weakened immune systems and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of these conditions.

Ways to Mitigate the Impact of C-section on the Infant Microbiome

While it is not currently possible to completely eliminate the impact of C-section on the infant microbiome, there are steps that can be taken to help mitigate the effects.

1. Vaginal Swabbing

One emerging strategy is the use of vaginal swabbing. This involves swabbing the mother’s vagina in the hour before the C-section and then rubbing the swab on the newborn’s face, mouth, and body immediately after birth.

This can help to transfer some vaginal bacteria to the infant, potentially seeding their microbiome and promoting a healthier microbial community.

2. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can also promote the development of a healthy microbiome in infants, regardless of how they were born.

Breast milk contains prebiotics and essential nutrients that can help to nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut and promote the growth of a diverse microbiota.

3. Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotic and prebiotic supplements may also be useful for supporting the development of a healthy microbiome in infants born through C-section.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help to colonize the gut with beneficial bacteria and support immune function. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that can nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut and promote their growth.

4. Delayed Cord Clamping

Delayed cord clamping, which involves waiting at least 30 seconds after birth before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord, may also have beneficial effects on the infant microbiome.

This can allow more blood and nutrients to flow from the placenta to the infant, which can help to support the growth and development of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Conclusion

C-sections can save lives when medically necessary, but they also come with potential risks. One of these risks is the impact on the infant microbiome, which can have far-reaching consequences for health and well-being.

Despite the challenges, there are strategies that can help to mitigate the impacts of C-section on the infant microbiome and promote the development of a healthy microbial community.