Thinking of Having a C-section? The Role Between C-sections and Probiotics
Researchers at the University of Valencia took a look at the first bowel movement of infants. They discovered that these bowel movements were predictive of the future health of an individual. In studying the samples, they found that babies who passed through the birth canal were more likely to have a larger variety of bacteria in their stools than those who were born via cesarean section.
The researchers then looked at the health of these babies at one year and four years, and they discovered that there were several health conditions that babies born naturally were less susceptible to than those who were born naturally.
What Causes the Difference?
Researchers believe that babies passing through the birth canal get probiotics from their mothers during the birthing process. Researchers believe that children born through a cesarean section have less flora in their guts. They also believe that the flora that is present is less effective in fighting diseases.
What Are Some of the Consequences?
Researchers found that babies who were born via a cesarean section were more likely to get diarrhea because they lacked the bacteria to fight it in their digestive tract. They also found that they were more likely to get upper respiratory infections.
Babies who do not get probiotics at birth also have a higher incidence of asthma. They also tend to have more allergies, and there is research to suggest that they are more apt to be lactose intolerant. Some researchers even suggest that the increasing rate of autism can be caused by the lack of probiotics.
Can Babies Get Probiotics in the Womb?
Researchers are starting to believe that some probiotics pass from through the placenta to the baby. Therefore, mothers should make sure that they are eating foods rich in probiotics during their pregnancy. While this line of thinking is relatively unstudied, researchers already know that probiotics can help keep a mother healthier so that she is less likely to give birth through a cesarean section. The researchers also found that babies born through a cesarean section were more likely to be overweight.
Can Babies Be Given Probiotics at Birth?
Babies can be given probiotics at birth. One of the best sources for probiotics for babies is breastfeeding. Immunoglobulin A helps babies to fight off infections. It is created in the mother’s bloodstream by probiotics. Then, it is passed onto the baby through breastfeeding where it helps fight off infections.
What Can Mothers Do?
While some cesarean sections cannot be prevented, it is also important that the mother question her doctor about whether the procedure is necessary. Since it is vital that women share their probiotics with their offspring, they may also want to take a probiotic supplement like Absorb Biotics while they are pregnant. If possible, breastfeed to pass along probiotics to the baby.
While more research needs to be completed, it appears that babies need the probiotics found in their mother’s body. Therefore, the mother should make sure that she is getting enough probiotics before, during and after birth. The results can be a much healthier baby.
