C-section Babies Face Chance of Getting Obese in Adulthood

Another problem has come to light for babies born through caesarean section - for them the chance of getting obese in adulthood is 26 per cent higher compared to those born through vaginal delivery, says a study.

Researchers at Imperial College London analysed data from 10 countries and found that for adults born by caesarean section, the average BMI is around half a unit more compared to those born by vaginal delivery.

"This study shows that babies born by C-section are more likely to be overweight or obese later in life. We now need to determine whether this is the result of the C-section, or if other reasons explain the association," said senior author Neena Modi.

Researchers said one primary difference in the babies born through caesarean and vaginal delivery is in the type of healthy bacteria found in their gut and this can have some effect on the health.

There are also other long-term problems associated with C-section delivery such as asthma and type-1 diabetes during childhood. In case of C-sections, there can be other complications with later pregnancies, including abnormalities in the placenta.

Source: Medindia