Neonates born via elective cesarean section have a higher risk of respiratory complications such as respiratory distress syndrome or transitory tachypnea of the newborn (e76, e80). As a rule, the symptoms tend to be mild and self-limiting, although many babies have to be admitted to a neonatal ward for short-term observation.
Studies have now also investigated long-term medical effects of cesarean section. Interestingly, an association was found between cesarean section and the occurrence of autism (e82), bronchial asthma (e4, e5), type 1 diabetes mellitus (e6), various food allergies (e66), and allergic rhinitis (e4, e7). Although some possible pathophysiological explanations have been postulated, causality has yet to be definitively proven and is the subject of much controversy in specialist medical circles (e83).
Another complication that can occur after cesarean section is difficulty with breast-feeding (e84, e85). However, there are inconsistencies between the numerous studies that have now been carried out, as some of them report no association between cesarean section and breast-feeding (e84, e86– e88), whereas others show a clear negative effect (e89, e90). Probably a role is played by the delay to mother–child interaction caused when the child has to be admitted to a neonatal unit, or due to their spatial separation. However, this delayed mother–child relationship appears to have no influence on the frequency or duration of breast-feeding after discharge from hospital (e91), especially if the mother receives enough advice and support after the cesarean (e87, e92– e96).
Bookmarks