The delivery mode is an important factor driving alteration in the gut microbiota during the neonatal period. Several studies prove that the alteration of gut microbiota induced by cesarean section could influence the activation of intestinal epithelial cells and the development of immune system.
Newborns delivered by C-section tend to harbor in their guts disease-causing microbes commonly found in hospitals (e.g. Enterococcus and Klebsiella), and lack strains of gut bacteria found in healthy children (e.g. Bacteroides species).
“It takes a while for babies born through C-section to develop a normal microbiome. And during that time, while the immune system is also developing, they become more at risk for later developing certain diseases like asthma.
Immune Disorders in Babies Born Via C-Section
Both female and male babies born via C-Section were significantly more likely to develop diabetes, arthritis, Celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, compared to babies delivered vaginally.
Ileus (2-4), flatulence (5, 6) nauseas and vomiting (7, 8) are the most important problems after cesarean section leading to mother's dissatisfaction and prolong hospitalization (9, 10). Postoperative ileus cause intestinal gas retention, abdominal distension, nausea and abdominal pain (4).
C-section surgery can majorly disrupt your bowels and cause regular bowel movements to stop. Some women experience feelings of constipation and trapped wind. This is often a side effect of pain medications prescribed after surgery.
There has been some research into how c-sections affect the long-term health of children. There is limited evidence that children born by c-section may have a higher risk of childhood asthma up to the age of 5 and obesity up to the age of 12. The reason for this increased risk is not clear.
Babies born by Caesarean section have dramatically different gut bacteria to those born vaginally, according to the largest study in the field. The UK scientists say these early encounters with microbes may act as a "thermostat" for the immune system.
Most of a baby's gut microbiota is acquired during the birth and its first few days of life through breast feeding, although its diet after weaning and environmental factors contribute too.
'The differences are very subtle but they come out most clearly in relationships,' she says. 'Caesarean babies as they grow up tend to be both dependent and impatient. They don't know the rhythm of getting to know someone and sustaining a relationship.
Now, researchers at Southern Medical University say that by exposing C-section babies to the microbes they've missed—an intervention called vaginal seeding—doctors can partially restore these missing gut bacteria. The procedure may even aid in their early development.
The C-section babies can display both irritability and increased likely hood of colic. Planned C-section babies are interestingly the most ratty and cranky babies I see. Scientific research absolutely confirms this showing that C-section deliveries cause a change to the friendly gut bacteria in the baby.
Probiotics may help support the immune system in babies born by cesarean or exposed to antibiotics.
Through two decades of clinical observations, Mao and Jing (2005) found that newborns delivered via Cesarean section did not like to be touched or hugged as compared with newborns delivered via natural childbirth. The neonates expressed stress regarding physical contact with their mothers.
A C-section can also cause problems for babies, like breathing difficulties that need treatment in a newborn intensive care unit. Recovering after a C-section is also more difficult than after a vaginal birth. C-sections can also cause certain ongoing problems.
Additional short- and long-term health problems.
Increasingly, researchers are finding that c-sections are linked to both short and long-term health problems for baby. Short-term problems include breathing difficulty, risk of head/facial laceration from surgery, breastfeeding difficulties, and delayed bonding.
In this case, there is the observation that people with autism or ADHD are more likely to be born by cesarean section than we would otherwise typically expect. But this kind of epidemiological study is unable determine if one factor (cesarean section) causes another (ADHD or autism). There are two key reasons why.
7) Angelina Jolie
Shiloh Nouvel was breech, and as a result was born by caesarean in a hospital in Namibia in 2006. Twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline were born in the same way two years later, and the actress has since spoken about how "fascinating" she finds the medical capability.
Summary: Babies born by Caesarean section experience changes to the DNA pool in their white blood cells, which could be connected to altered stress levels during this method of delivery.
During a C-section, your organs are usually just moved aside so that the doctor can see your uterus better. But the organs stay within the abdominal cavity and aren't taken out. In rare cases, the intestines may be temporarily lifted out for better visualization and space to operate, but not permanently.
When the body heals from the procedure, it forms bands of internal scar tissue called adhesions. Adhesions can cause a host of problems if left untreated, including chronic pain, female infertility and life-threatening bowel obstructions.
Naturally, your stomach and core are likely to look and feel very different in the weeks, months and even years after surgery. Along with a C-section scar, one of the most common challenges you might face after this kind of surgery is stubborn fat deposits and excess fat along your lower abdomen.
“It's very common for cesarean scars to itch or hurt years later, but that doesn't mean that it's normal,” says Dr. Ashley Rawlins, PT, DPT. Normal implies healthy and functioning well. If you're bothered by your scar, all is not well — and you can definitely do something about it.
There's usually no limit to the number of caesarean sections that you can have. But the more you have, the longer each operation will take, and the higher your risk of complications becomes (Biler et al 2017, RCOG 2016).