Caesarean section, also known as C-section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby. The procedure involves making an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus to remove the baby, rather than delivering it vaginally.

In recent years, the number of C-sections has increased, raising concerns about its potential impact on both maternal and infant health. Studies have shown that babies delivered by C-section have a higher risk of developing certain medical conditions, including asthma and obesity later in life.

Higher risk of obesity

Research has indicated that children delivered by C-section have a higher risk of obesity compared to those born vaginally.

A 2015 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children born by C-section were 15% more likely to be obese by ages five to seven years old.

The reasons for this link are not completely clear. One theory is that babies born by C-section miss out on the natural exposure to healthy gut bacteria that occurs during vaginal delivery, which could affect their metabolism and contribute to obesity.

Another theory is that C-sections can disrupt the hormonal systems that regulate appetite and metabolism in newborns.

Increased risk of asthma

Another medical condition that has been linked to C-sections is asthma. Several studies have suggested that infants delivered by C-section have a higher risk of developing asthma compared to those delivered vaginally.

A 2014 review of 37 studies found that children born via C-section were 20% more likely to develop asthma compared to those delivered vaginally.

The link between C-sections and asthma is thought to be related to the fact that these babies may not have the same exposure to certain microbes that help shape the immune system and protect against asthma and other allergic diseases.

Mechanisms behind the link

There are several potential mechanisms behind the link between C-sections and obesity and asthma. One of the main theories is that C-sections can lead to changes in the gut microbiome, the collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract.

Studies have shown that C-sections can disrupt the transfer of healthy bacteria from the mother to the baby, which may have long-term consequences for the baby’s health and immune function.

Another potential mechanism is that C-sections can disrupt the process of priming the baby’s immune system.

During vaginal birth, the baby is exposed to a range of microbes from the mother’s body, which can help stimulate the baby’s immune system and prevent certain allergic and autoimmune diseases later on. This process may be interrupted in C-sections, as the baby does not pass through the birth canal and does not encounter the same microbes.

Other potential risks of C-sections

In addition to the link between C-sections and obesity and asthma, there are other potential risks associated with this procedure. C-sections are major surgeries and carry a higher risk of complications compared to vaginal delivery.

Women who undergo C-sections are more likely to experience bleeding, infections, blood clots, and longer recovery periods.

Moreover, C-sections can have long-term effects on women’s health.

A 2019 study published in JAMA Network Open found that women who undergo C-sections have a higher risk of developing endometriosis, a painful condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it. The study also found that women who had multiple C-sections had a higher risk of needing a hysterectomy later in life.

Conclusion

C-sections have become increasingly common in recent years, but research has shown that this procedure can have long-term effects on maternal and infant health.

Studies have linked C-sections to an increased risk of obesity and asthma in children, potentially through their impact on the gut microbiome and immune system. It is important for healthcare providers to educate women about the potential risks and benefits of C-sections and work to ensure that unnecessary surgeries are avoided.