Cesarean delivery is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby when a vaginal delivery is not possible or safe. This may be due to various reasons such as fetal distress, placenta previa, multiple pregnancies, or the mother’s health issues.

During a cesarean delivery, the baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus while under anesthesia.

Unforeseen Dangers of Cesarean Delivery on Babies

While cesarean delivery is a life-saving procedure that has saved countless lives, it also has some unforeseen dangers on babies. Some of them are:.

Injury during the procedure

During a cesarean delivery, there is always a risk of the baby getting injured during the procedure. The sharp instruments used during the surgery can harm the baby if not handled properly.

Also, the baby’s head can get compressed while coming out of the incision, causing bruises or lacerations.

Respiratory issues

Studies have shown that babies delivered via cesarean delivery are more likely to develop respiratory issues than those delivered vaginally.

This is because during a vaginal delivery, the baby is exposed to hormones that prepare them for breathing, which is not the case during a cesarean delivery. The baby may also experience delayed lung clearance, which can result in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN).

Increased risk of allergies and autoimmune diseases

Babies born via cesarean delivery have an increased risk of developing allergies and autoimmune diseases.

This is because during a vaginal delivery, the baby is exposed to beneficial bacteria that help develop their immune system, which is not the case during a cesarean delivery. Studies have also shown that the baby’s microbiome is affected by the mode of delivery, and a cesarean delivery can alter it negatively.

Increased risk of obesity

Babies born via cesarean delivery have a higher risk of developing obesity later in life compared to those born vaginally.

This is because they miss out on the beneficial bacteria present in the mother’s birth canal, which helps regulate the baby’s metabolism and body weight.

Breastfeeding difficulties

Babies born via cesarean delivery may experience difficulties with breastfeeding compared to those born vaginally.

This is because vaginal delivery triggers the release of hormones that help stimulate milk production and make it easier for the baby to latch on to the breast. Also, babies born via cesarean delivery may be separated from their mothers for an extended period after birth, which can impact bonding and breastfeeding.

Increased risk of childhood leukemia

Studies have shown that babies born via cesarean delivery have a slightly higher risk of developing childhood leukemia than those born vaginally.

The reason for this is still unclear, but it may be due to the baby’s immune system being compromised during the procedure.

Delayed gut flora development

Babies born via cesarean delivery have a delayed development of their gut flora compared to those born vaginally. This can affect their immune system, digestion, and overall health.

Studies have shown that the gut flora of babies born via cesarean delivery differs significantly from those born vaginally, and their gut microbiome can take up to six months to develop fully.

Increased risk of asthma

Babies born via cesarean delivery have an increased risk of developing asthma later in life compared to those born vaginally. This may be due to the changes in gut flora and immune system development caused by the mode of delivery.

Increased risk of eczema

Babies born via cesarean delivery also have an increased risk of developing eczema compared to those born vaginally. This may be due to the differences in gut flora and immune system development caused by the mode of delivery.

Increased risk of food allergies

Babies born via cesarean delivery have an increased risk of developing food allergies compared to those born vaginally. This may be due to the differences in gut flora and immune system development caused by the mode of delivery.

Conclusion

While cesarean delivery is necessary in some cases, it comes with some unforeseen dangers on babies.

These dangers include respiratory issues, injury during the procedure, increased risk of allergies and autoimmune diseases, obesity, breastfeeding difficulties, childhood leukemia, delayed gut flora development, asthma, eczema, and food allergies. It is essential for pregnant women to discuss all delivery options with their healthcare providers to make an informed decision.