Caesarean births are linked to childhood obesity, says new report
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Babies born by Caesarean section are twice as likely to be obese in childhood, researchers claim.
Nearly 16% of children delivered via Caesarean section were obese by the age of three compared with 7.5% of those born by a normal vaginal birth, according to research published online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Although the study does not look for explanations behind the link, researchers speculate that it could be caused by the composition of gut bacteria acquired at birth.
Previous research has identified different levels of bacteria in the guts of children born vaginally and by Caesarean.
Studies have found that children born by Caesarean delivery have higher numbers of Firmicutes bacteria. Other research found that obese people have higher levels of the same bacteria in their guts.
US researchers studied 1,255 mother and child pairs in eastern Massachusetts between 1999 and 2002.
One in four of the children was born by Caesarean section. They were all measured and weighed at birth, six months and three years.
"An association between Caesarean birth and increased risk of childhood obesity would provide an important rationale to avoid non-medically indicated Caesarean section," write the authors.
"Expectant mothers choosing Caesarean delivery in the absence of an obstetrical or medical indication should be aware that their children may have a higher risk of obesity."
Sue Macdonald, education and research manager at the Royal College of Midwives, warned that unnecessary Caesarean sections have detrimental effects.
She said: "This highlights the need to avoid Caesarean sections that are not medically needed.
"Evidence is building and suggests that unnecessary Caesarean sections may have detrimental effects in the short and long term for the woman and the child. This research adds to that evidence but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
"There is also a need to provide on-going support to women, their babies and families towards improving and addressing weight management, initially through supporting breastfeeding and then through healthy eating.
"This can have benefits not just around pregnancy but for the mother and her family generally."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments