C-sections linked to breathing problems in babies

20 December, 2007

Babies born through caesarean section are about four times more likely to suffer from breathing problems than babies who are born through the proper channel.

In a new study, published in the British Medical Journal, it was found that babies delivered through pre-planned caesarean were far more likely to suffer breathing difficulties compared with those born naturally or by emergency caesarean.

The latest study supports previous research that has connected elective caesarean sections, which are becoming increasingly popular around the world – with an increased risk of respiratory difficulties in newborns.

Researchers from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark carried out a large-scale study involving 34,458 individual babies born between 37 and 41 weeks, and delivered between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2006.

According to Anne Hansen, of the Aarhus University Hospital, the risks are greatest when a caesarean section procedure was performed early. She urged women not to choose to undergo an elective caesarean section procedure prior to their 39th week of pregnancy.

The study did not cover or explain why babies born through caesarean section procedure are at higher risk for breathing problems. The prevailing theory is that the risk was likely due to the hormonal and physiological changes that occur in the bodies of the mother and the baby during labor.

The process of labor activates the release of a number of stress hormones in the mother. These hormones that are then passed on to the fetus during the labor and birthing process are considered important to the maturing of the baby's lungs.

Anne Hansen and colleagues found that, while babies delivered via caesarean section procedure at 38 weeks experienced a three-fold increase in risk, babies delivered via a caesarean section at 39 weeks experience a doubled risk. So, 10% of babies delivered using the C- section process had respiration problems when delivered at 37 weeks, compared to 2.8% of infants that were to be delivered by the natural vaginal process. By 39 weeks, the proportion was 2.1% compared to 1.1%.

In the study, Anne Hansen stressed that caesarean sections still offer many expectant mothers and their babies a broad variety of benefits, particularly in cases where babies are in a breech position and where the mother and/or the baby was in danger or experiencing distress.

However, many experts feel that the rising demand for non-emergency caesareans sections should be restricted. Statistics show that the number of caesarean sections is on the rise in the United Kingdom – almost a quarter of births are now estimated to be via caesarean sections. This is far above the 10% to 15% rate recommended by the World Health Organization.