A cesarean delivery occurs  through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus rather than the vagina.  If there are no pregnancy complications, you have to know that vaginal delivery is always safer that a c-section.  There are risks associated with any major surgery. It is essential to understand the risk before the cesarean procedure.

How does a c-section affect a baby ?

Birth by cesarean poses several challenges to the baby. These include the following :

Breathing difficulties : Breathhing problems  are  more pronounced in babies delivered via c-section. This is due to lack of contraction during labor. Contractions usually prepare the lungs of the baby to breath independently after delivery. As a result cesarean babies are at high risk of difficulty to breath on their own since their lungs lack  breathing practice

Increased risk of asthma : Research indicate that babies born through cesarean are at increased risk of asthma later in life. Cesarean babies are more likely to have  certain bacteria in their intestines.  Babies with this intestinal bacteria have a greater risk of developing allergies or asthma later in life.

Delayed skin to skin contact : It is recommended that skin to skin contact between mother and baby  occurs as soon as possible after birth for at least an hour and until the newborn has completed at least the first breastfeeding. The benefits of skin to skin contact are immense. It enhances attachment between mother and baby, helps stabilize baby’s breathing and heartbeat , mother’s body keeps the baby warm, reduces newborn crying and stress.

Low APGAR score : This could be due to fetal distress before delivery ,anesthesia or lack of stimulation during delivery. Babies born through c-section are 50% more likely to have low APGAR score that those borns vaginally.

Delayed breastfeeding : A cesarean delivery makes it more difficult to initiate and establish a breastfeeding . It is important to breastfeed the baby right after delivery. The first milk known as colostrum enhances   the baby’s immunity. The use of medications and anesthesia may make it difficult to breastfeed right after a cesarean.

Premature birth : If there is an error in the due date calculation, a baby delivered through cesarean could be born too early and have a low birth weight.

Fetal injury : This is rare. However it is possible for the baby to be nicked or cut during an incision.

 
Content Sources