Cesarian Section Increase Baby's Asthma Risks

Filed in archive Childbirth on December 3, 2008

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 6799137

Over the last several years, the number of childbirths via elective C-section has increased tremendously. If you're considering one, make sure you know what risks you're up against, and its possibly impact on your child, too.

New research indicates that children born by Caesarean section are nearly 80%more likely to suffer from asthma than those born via normal vaginal birth. The researchers believe that the increased likelihood of asthma among children born via Caesarian section may be due to the delay in exposure to microbes (in contrast, babies born through vaginal birth pick up bugs on their wy out), thus delaying the "priming" of the children's immune system.

80% increase in risk, just because of the way they were born! Definitely something to consider for people contemplating to deliver via elective C-section.