Guide To Understanding the Gut Microbiome in C-Section Born Infants

The World Inside Us: The Gut Microbiome Explained

Our gut is more than just a digestive organ. It is home to a staggering 100 trillion microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem surpasses the human genome in intricacy and plays crucial roles in our health. From guarding against harmful pathogens to aiding digestion and even influencing brain development, the gut microbiome is essential for overall well-being.

Early Life: A Pivotal Stage for Gut Health

The first moments of life are critical for establishing an infant’s gut microbiome. This early bacterial community is vital in shaping the immune system and its development. The mode of delivery significantly impacts the initial bacterial colonisation in a newborn’s gut. (3)

Delivery Mode and Its Impact on an Infant’s Gut

The way a newborn enters the world profoundly affects their gut bacteria. Vaginal births lead to a gut environment rich in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium, which is important for gut health. In contrast, C-section deliveries often result in a delayed colonisation of these beneficial microbes, leading to a different bacterial profile in the infant’s gut. (4)

The Rise of Caesarean Sections

Caesarean sections are life-saving interventions for women and newborns. However, the rates of C-sections have been rising over the last three decades to levels well above the World Health Organization’s recommended rate of 10-15%. This increase is largely driven by non-medically indicated C-sections in many middle- and high-income countries. In the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), about 30% of babies are born via C-section. (5)

The Long-term Consequences of Gut Imbalance

A disrupted gut microbiota in C-section babies is linked to long-term health challenges. Studies show these infants have a higher risk of asthma, allergies, diabetes, obesity, and certain immune deficiencies. They are also more susceptible to respiratory infections and infections requiring hospitalisation. (6,7)

Promoting Healthy Gut Development in C-Section Infants

Early intervention can make a significant difference. Supplementation with specific prebiotics and probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium Breve M-16V, during the first months can promote a healthier gut microbiota. This proactive step can lead to better overall health, offering protection against allergic diseases and establishing a strong foundation for gut health. (4)
By Dr. Wael Mohamed Abdelaal,
Consultant Paediatrics.
Consult your doctor to find the best solutions tailored to the needs of C-section babies.

References:
1. World Health Organization. (2015). WHO statement on caesarean section rates. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/cs-statement/en/

2. Alsulami SM, Ashmawi MT, Jarwan RO, Malli IA, Albar SK, Al-Jifree HM. The Rates of Cesarean Section Deliveries According to Robson Classification System During the Year of 2018 Among Patients in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Cureus. 2020 Nov 17;12(11):e11529. doi: 10.7759/cureus.11529. PMID: 33354473; PMCID: PMC7746316.

3. Betran AP, Torloni MR, Zhang J, Ye J, Mikolajczyk R, Deneux-Tharaux C, Oladapo OT, Souza JP, Tunçalp Ö, Vogel JP, Gülmezoglu AM. What is the optimal rate of caesarean section at population level? A systematic review of ecologic studies. Reprod Health. 2015 Jun 21;12:57. doi: 10.1186/s12978-015-0043-6. PMID: 26093498; PMCID: PMC4496821.
4. Dominguez-Bello, M. G., Costello, E. K., Contreras, M., Magris, M., Hidalgo, G., Fierer, N., & Knight, R. (2010). Delivery mode shapes the acquisition and structure of the initial microbiota across multiple body habitats in newborns. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(26), 11971-11975. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1002601107

5. Tamburini, S., Shen, N., Wu, H. C., & Clemente, J. C. (2016). The microbiome in early life: implications for health outcomes. Nature Medicine, 22(7), 713-722. https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.4142

6. Mueller, N. T., Bakacs, E., Combellick, J., Grigoryan, Z., & Dominguez-Bello, M. G. (2015). The infant microbiome development: mom matters. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 21(2), 109-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2014.12.002

7. Thavagnanam, S., Fleming, J., Bromley, A., Shields, M. D., & Cardwell, C. R. (2008). A meta-analysis of the association between caesarean section and childhood asthma. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 38(4), 629-633. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02780.x