Abuse and Neglect, BMJ, Imperial College, Microbiome, OBGYNE / 23.02.2016
Vaginal Seeding After C-Section Can Transfer Harmful Germs To Baby
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Aubrey Cunnington
Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine
Clinical Senior Lecturer
Imperial College, London
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. Cunnington: We noticed that increasing numbers of women who were having Caesarean section deliveries at our hospitals were requesting for their vaginal fluid to be swabbed onto their babies after birth – a process often termed “vaginal seeding”. The idea behind this, is that it transfers all the natural bacteria (microbiota) from the mother’s vagina to the baby. We know that early on in life, babies born by Caesarean section have different bacteria living on their bodies and in their guts to those of babies born by vaginal delivery. Some people think these differences in the microbiota may be responsible for differences in long-term health, although a causal link is unproven. The hope is that vaginal seeding might reduce the risk of the baby developing some diseases like obesity and asthma in the future. Unfortunately we are a long way from having the evidence to show that this is possible, and we do not know whether vaginal seeding is really safe. Babies born by elective Caesarean section are at lower risk of transfer of some potentially harmful bacteria and viruses from the birth canal, but these harmful bacteria and viruses could be transferred to the baby on a swab and potentially cause a devastating infection.
MedicalResearch.com Editor's note: 'Vaginal Seeding' is also known as "microbirthing",
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