Child long-term outcomes after vaginal delivery and elective caesarean section

Abstract

Aim. To review the scientific literature of the past decade, comparing long-term outcomes for children born naturally and by caesarean section.

Methods. A total of 10 studies were included in the review. Selected articles were open access, full text, in English, published between 2015 and 2024, and met the inclusion criteria: singleton pregnancy, term delivery, cephalic presentation, normal vaginal delivery, and planned caesarean section.

Results. Children born via planned caesarean section have a higher risk of anemia, asthma, food allergies, autoimmune diseases, overweight and obesity. This mode of delivery may also be associated with an increased risk of growth disorders, diabetes, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. When comparing the two modes of delivery, no significant association was found between either mode and the risk of atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or neurobehavioral disorders in children.

Conclusions. Elective caesarean section carries long-term risks for child. Therefore, it is recommended to discourage unnecessary caesarean sections.