Bringing life into this world can be one of the most uplifting experiences in a woman’s life. Unfortunately, many expectant mothers are unaware of the vital details of the delivery and how it can affect their babies in the future. Caesarian section births can cause chronic diseases and health detriments to the children.
The rate of C-section births is much higher than the recommended 15%. In fact, one in three babies is born this way! This procedure can be life-saving when needed, yet the long-term harm is not worth the process if it is unnecessary.
If you are considering to have a Caesarean section for your next birth or if you are a C-Section baby yourself, there are some risk factors you need to know!
Why C-Sections?
A C-section is a method of birth where doctors operate on the mother’s stomach and uterus for the baby to emerge. Usually, a C-section is planned in advance for the particular case where it is needed. Sometimes, it is at the time of labor that the doctor determines a C-section is safer for the mother and the baby. There is also a trend where the mother asks for a C-section despite it not being medically required.
In the past, many women have died while giving birth due to medical complications. Thanks to advancements in medicine, these situations don’t arise as much in the developed world. In cases where it is needed, using the C-section method could save lives.
Here are reasons where a C-section is necessary:
- Mother has a health condition which may worsen or become dangerous through regular delivery
- The baby is at risk of contracting infections from the mother
- Mother had certain types of surgeries that can make normal birth risky
- Mother is expecting twins or triplets
- The baby is too big for a vaginal birth
- Complications during delivery
Needed?
Truth be told, C-sections aren’t necessary in all cases. It is safer to deliver a baby vaginally even if the mother delivered her previous children through a C-section. Mothers who don’t have a legitimate need for C-sections should go the natural route to protect the health and wellbeing of their babies and themselves.
Risks
Having the baby born earlier than nature intended brings a host of problems for the mother and baby, such as significant health hazards and an overwhelming danger they will be underweight. This situation places the child at greater risk for disabilities, illnesses, and even death.
Babies born through the C-section haven’t undergone the same processes infants go through during normal delivery and thereby gives them a disadvantage. These problems can follow the infant into later life.
Even the mother faces a greater risk of injury and loss of blood during this procedure. After all, this is major surgery! She may face some challenges due to the nature of the process; even after she returns home.
Long-Term Health Risks of a C-Section Baby
According to many proven studies, babies who are born via the C-section method have a greater chance of developing the following during childhood:
- Obesity
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Allergies (environmental and food)
At the age of two, they are also likely to be less healthy than those children born through vaginal birth.
One major theory about this phenomena states this is due to gut flora. Babies born through a C-section gain more of a certain type of intestinal bacteria. This heightened amount makes it more likely for them to develop asthma and allergies during their lives.
Next, they don’t acquire enough of another type of intestinal bacteria that other babies obtain from their mother’s vagina during birth. This bacteria is crucial for food uptake and fighting infections. They thereby receive their first intake of microbes from their mother’s body during the delivery process, and these bacteria serve them throughout their lives.
Another theory about the declined wellbeing of C-section infants concluded that the stress of entering into the world through the vaginal birthing process ignites certain levels of the hormones such as oxytocin, cortisol, and adrenalin. Due to this, the body is better prepared to deal with the potential risks of disease.
Health Solutions
If you are a C-section baby, you must be wondering, “Great. That explains a lot. Now, what do I do?”
Here are four simple tips:
- Take probiotics
- Eat fermented foods like kimchi, kombucha, kefir, and tempeh
- Eat a healthy, diverse diet with plenty of fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- Partake in a vigorous exercise regime
These steps will increase the good bacteria in your body and create a microbial balance. Besides for healing from the effects of an unnatural birth, these four changes will improve your overall wellbeing. Say goodbye to your health issues and embrace the future vibrant you.
You will feel reborn.
