vaginal seeding

Scientists are beginning to unravel the ways in which we develop a healthy relationship with the bugs in our bodies.

Vaginal birth leads to changes in the development of offsprings’ microbiomes not seen among mice born via C-section, which researchers suspect might contribute to the weight differences.

A group of Danish obstetricians notes that the procedure carries risks and that there is little evidence supporting its benefits to the infant microbiome. 

Study of 81 six-week-olds who were born by C-section or vaginal delivery didn’t show differences in the structure or function of their microbiota, despite contrary results from other studies on babies. 

A new literature review finds that even if babies born via Cesarean section have long-term health risks, as a number of past studies purport, it may not be a result of the procedure itself.