What are the long-term effects of a C-section on my baby?

A caesarean delivery is a type of surgery used to bring your baby into the world. An incision is made in your lower belly, through your abdomen and uterus. This procedure is very widely used: in South Africa, 75% of babies are born by C-section¹.

It is performed when a vaginal birth isn’t safe for either you or your baby, but it can also be chosen for personal or other reasons.

an be due to various risks: if your baby presents themselves feet or bottom first (breech position), if labor isn’t progressing as expected, or if certain health conditions arise during your pregnancy that make vaginal delivery too risky^2,3. Your doctor’s primary focus is always the health and safety of you and your child.

While it differs from a vaginal delivery, a caesarean is a procedure that many women go through and can have beneficial outcomes.⁴

When your child is born via caesarean section, they enter the world in a slightly different way compared to vaginal delivery. In a vaginal birth, the baby passes through the birth canal, which naturally helps prepare their body for life outside the womb.

This process helps compress the lungs to clear fluid and prepare for breathing. It also exposes your baby to the beneficial bacteria from your vagina, called Bifidobacteria. This plays an important role in developing a healthy gut microbiome, which is key for your baby’s immunity ^5-8.

During a C-section, these aspects of birth are bypassed. Your baby doesn’t pass through your birth canal, so they miss out on this exposure to your maternal gut bacteria. This can influence your child’s immune system and digestion in the early months.

However, with the right support, C-section babies can catch up from the start and avoid short and long term health impacts. Many children born via caesarean develop strong, healthy immune systems. While studies have shown that babies born by C-section have a different composition of gut bacteria compared to those born vaginally, these differences can be reduced ^4,9. Contact your healthcare provider to learn more on how to catch up!

Don’t worry, medical professionals will be with you and your baby every step of the way, checking on them during your pregnancy and right after delivery. The focus is always on providing the best care for both of you, leading to healthy, positive outcomes for your family. 

As your baby grows, you may wonder if being born by C-section will affect their health in the long term. Studies show that, for C-section babies who receive proper care, there can be no significant differences in their overall health compared to babies born through vaginal delivery⁴. Your child will still reach all the important milestones like sitting up, crawling, walking, and talking.

Because they are not traveling through the birth canal, C-section babies miss out on beneficial bacteria from their mother that support their immune system development ^5-8. However, it’s important to know that your baby’s immune system can catch up from the start, and will continue to develop over time. There are plenty of ways to support your baby’s immunity in the early months and years of life ^4-9.

Ask your healthcare provider how your C-section baby can catch up on immunity! Moreover, regular check-ups with your pediatrician are an excellent opportunity to ask questions and make sure your child is progressing as expected. If you have any concerns about your child’s growth or development, these visits will provide peace of mind.   

One concern many women have is whether a caesarean section affects how they bond with their baby. The good news is, a C-section doesn’t interfere with the powerful bond you’ll create with your child! The love and connection between a mother and her baby aren’t determined by the delivery method, but by the care, warmth, and closeness you share in the days and weeks after birth.

If you’re unable to hold your baby right away after the C-section, don’t worry. Many mothers find that skin-to-skin contact, even a little delayed after the caesarean surgery helps to promote that special bond. Gentle cuddling, holding your baby close, and spending time together helps to foster a deep, loving relationship. This bonding time is about love and connection, not the specific way your baby entered the world.

Breastfeeding can also bring you and your baby closer, although it can be more challenging and be delayed after a C-section. In South Africa, 1 in 2 mothers who have had a C-section face delayed breastfeeding¹⁰. Don’t worry, you can reach out to your doctor or lactation consultant to learn more about how you can take care of your newborn.

Some babies born via C-section may have temporary breathing issues right after birth ^14,15. This happens because the baby doesn’t go through the birth canal, where their lungs would naturally get squeezed, helping them clear out fluid. However, medical teams are well-prepared to handle this, and any breathing difficulties are usually resolved quickly.

In the long term, most babies born by C-section do not experience ongoing respiratory issues, and they grow up with healthy lungs, just like babies born vaginally.

There are some studies suggesting that babies born via C-section have a higher risk of developing allergies or asthma ^11,12. This is partly because of differences in early microbial exposure, as babies born vaginally are exposed to their mother’s beneficial bacteria that help train their immune systems.

That said, many factors influence whether a child develops allergies or asthma, including family history and environmental conditions. You can take steps to reduce these risks by keeping your home clean for example, and avoiding potential allergens. You can also contact your healthcare provider to know how your baby can catch up. This will help address any concerns early and bring positive outcomes.

Your baby’s emotional well-being is shaped by the love, attention, and care you provide them throughout their life. Babies born by C-section are just as likely to thrive emotionally as those born vaginally.

Creating a safe, loving environment, responding to their needs, and offering comfort and security will ensure your baby feels loved and supported.

All babies develop at their own pace, and being born via caesaean sections doesn’t change that. Encourage your baby’s physical growth by giving them plenty of opportunities to move and explore. Tummy time is a great way to help strengthen their muscles and develop coordination.

You can also celebrate each milestone, from your baby’s first smile to their first steps, knowing that they will reach these moments in their own time. Every child is different, and it’s important to enjoy watching them grow at their unique pace.

While a caesarean delivery may limit your baby’s early exposure to beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria, it’s important to know that their immune system can still catch up and grow strong.

Since every baby is unique, it’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider about how best to support your baby’s immune system over time. Your doctor can offer personalized advice and guidance on helping your baby’s immune health catch up in the months and years ahead.

By staying in regular contact with your healthcare team, you’ll ensure that your baby receives the best care and advice tailored to their needs, leading to positive health outcomes as they grow into childhood ^13-20.