According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, planned cesarean birth presents increased risk to the newborn compared with planned vaginal birth. The authors write, “A planned cesarean delivery doubled both the rate of transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit and the risk of pulmonary disorders, compared with a planned vaginal delivery.”
The prospective study, conducted in Norway, examined 18,653 singleton (no twins or multiples) deliveries occurring in 24 maternity units over the course of six months. The results showed that infants born via planned cesarean were transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit 9.8 percent of the time, compared with only 5.2 percent of babies born vaginally. In addition, 1.6 percent of the infants born via planned cesarean experienced pulmonary disorders—including transient tachypnea and respiratory distress syndrome—compared with only 0.8 percent of babies born vaginally. Apgar scores and neurologic symptoms were similar between the two groups.
Triangle Birth Network Analysis
Many women in the US today believe that while a planned cesarean may be more dangerous for the mother, it is “safer” for babies than undergoing labor and vaginal birth. This study, with a large sample population, clearly demonstrates that this argument is not valid. The vaginal birth process aids the newborn in expelling mucous and fluid from the lungs, an important step for respiratory health. As this study suggests, elective, non-medical cesarean section is more dangerous not only for mothers, but for babies as well.
For the full article, see Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2006 Dec; 195(6): 1538-43.