Do C-sections increase risk of chronic health issues later in life?

Do newborns delivered by C-section face higher risk of chronic health problems later in life. NYU Langone Medical Center recently had a study published in the British Medical Journal, where Researchers evaluated whether newborns delivered by C-section are more likely to develop chronic diseases later in life.

They found that their evidence warrants concerns that C-section may lead to worse long-term child health.

Research is ongoing, but recent studies underscore the need for health care providers to discuss risk of babies born through c-section. Newborns seemed more at risk for developing obesity, asthma, and diabetes. Problem: C-section is sometimes a medical necessity, or even an emergency. But more and more mothers are requesting or choosing this mode of delivery without the medical necessity for it.

Also, repeat cesarean is not necessarily medically indicated for women who are low risk but there is a 90% repeat cesarean rate among women who have had a prior cesarean, in the US.

Recent studies link C-section to long-term child chronic disease. Authors reviewed observational studies, and clinical trials where mothers were randomized to undergo cesarean or vaginal delivery.

Found that C-section may lead to worse long-term child health. Risks not mentioned in clinical guidelines. So it is time to update the guidelines and include information about possible risks to long-term child health.

Further research is needed to establish whether it is the cesarean that causes disease, or whether other factors are at play. But looking at the that evidence, it is reasonable to believe that cesarean has the potential for long-term negative health consequences for children.

Parents should be educated and informed before choosing mode of birth. All clinicians should be educated as well, as the information is not well-known. This would help doctors, midwives and patients weigh the risks and benefits of elective cesarean.