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Risk of asthma increases with Caesarean section

Risk of asthma increases with Caesarean section


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A new study out of Switzerland adds to evidence indicating babies born by Caesarean section are at higher risk to develop asthma.

That bundle of joy gets into your arms one of two ways: naturally, through the birth canal; or surgically, through an abdominal incision called a Caesarean section. And Caesarean sections are on the rise.

"The rate of C-section has skyrocketed over the past 20 years to over 29 percent nationwide," said OBGYN Dr. Elliott Main.

While most Caesarean sections are medically necessary, some are elective, at the mother's request, and others are the consequence of interfering with Mother Nature.

"What we're looking at is discouraging mothers from doing purely elective inductions for matters of convenience, like your mother's in town, ‘I'm getting big' or ‘I'm tired,'" Main said.

Now new research should have everyone thinking twice. Swiss researchers followed nearly 3,000 newborns for eight years. The children who were born by Caesarean section were 80 percent more likely to develop asthma compared to those born vaginally.

Researchers believe babies born by Caesarean section are not exposed to their mother's bacteria as they pass through the birth canal, and that bacteria may actually help prime an infant's immune system and reduce the risk of asthma.

Many experts believe first-time moms should avoid having a Caesarean section unless they absolutely, medically need it. "A single C-section, though, does have more risks of blood loss, more risks of infection and should not be undertaken lightly," Main said.

Babies born via Caesarean section also appear to have more breathing problems. That's because going through the birth canal may help better squeeze amniotic fluid out of the baby's lungs.

E-mail: drkim@ksl.com

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Dr. Kim Mulvihill

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