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Children born through a caesarean section procedure have different intestinal microbes than children born normally, says a study. Researchers studied the effects of caesarean section births on the immune system of baby mice. The study shows that pups delivered by caesarean section had developed a lower number of cells that strengthen the immune system, said Camilla Hansen from University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Newborns delivered by natural birth are exposed to more bacteria from the mother than those delivered by caesarean section. (Read: Exercises during pregnancy can prevent emergency C-section)
According to a hypothesis called the hygiene hypothesis, the newborn baby's immune system in this way learns to distinguish between its own harmless molecules and foreign molecules. Mice delivered by caesarean section showed a lower number of cells that prevent immune cells from attacking harmless cells. Autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and allergy are caused by a similar over-reaction by the immune system. (Read: Caesarean section delivery do you really need it?)
The findings were published in the Journal of Immunology.
What is caesarean section?
Doctors usually recommend C-section is cases where the baby cannot be delivered through a normal vaginal delivery. This can happen in cases when the woman has twins (or triplets etc), a breach delivery is expected (baby is descending legs first instead of the head), the baby is large, there is some problem associated with the uterus or a placenta previa is detected (the placenta is low and covers the cervix). Sometimes, during normal labour, the doctor might make the decision to proceed with a caesarean section too.
If there have been multiple deliveries by C-section, it is highly likely that it may be the choice during subsequent deliveries too. However, if there has been a single delivery by a C-section with a horizontal incision, normal vaginal delivery is a possibility.
Since the babies are getting bigger with every generation and the pelvis of the women aren't growing proportionately, doctors advise adolescent girls to get adequate exercise and squat more often. This helps their pelvis to grow and might help avoid C-sections later on in life.
The C-section is performed under the effect of an epidural or spinal anaesthesia so that you are numb from the waist down. A horizontal skin incision is made just above your 'bikini line' and the abdominal muscles are separated. Usually, a horizontal incision is made in the lower part of the uterus though there may be cases when a vertical incision may be required. The baby is then delivered out of your uterus and the cord is cut. The uterine incision is closed with sutures (stitches) of resorbable material. The skin sutures will have to be removed after three to seven days. Antibiotics may be administered during the procedure through an IV line. Read more about Understanding Induced labour and Caesarean sections
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