New Study Challenges Claim that Delivery Method Affects Baby’s Microbiome

Published by Health Professional

on Saturday, April 1st 2023

in

  • Children Health
  • Women's Health

    • Introduction

    For years, a baby’s delivery method has been believed to impact their microbiome significantly, the collection of microorganisms that live in and on their body. 

    However, a new study challenges this claim, suggesting that the delivery methods may not have as much of an impact on the baby’s microbiome as previously thought.

    Understanding the Microbiome

    Before we delve into the study, it’s essential to understand the microbiome and its importance. The microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that live in and on our bodies. These microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. 

    The microbiome is found in many body parts, including the gut, skin, mouth, and reproductive organs.

    The microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. It helps digest food, produce vitamins, and fight harmful bacteria and viruses. A healthy microbiome is essential for a strong immune system and proper digestion.

    Previous Belief on Delivery Method and Microbiome

    For years, it has been believed that a baby’s delivery method can significantly impact its microbiome. Babies born vaginally are believed to have a different microbiome than those born via cesarean section. 

    The theory was that the baby would acquire bacteria from the mother’s vaginal canal during delivery, leading to a more diverse and robust microbiome.

    On the other hand, babies born via cesarean section were thought to have a less diverse microbiome, as they were not exposed to the same bacteria as those born vaginally. However, recent research has challenged this claim.

    The New Study

    The new study, published in Nature Microbiology, involved analyzing the microbiome of over 1,500 babies born in Canada. The researchers found that the delivery method did not significantly impact the baby’s microbiome.

    The study found that while there were differences in the microbiome between babies born vaginally and via cesarean section, these differences were small and did not persist beyond the first few months of life. 

    Additionally, the researchers found that other factors, such as breastfeeding and the mother’s diet, had a more significant impact on the baby’s microbiome than the delivery method.

    Implications and Future Research

    The new study challenges the long-held belief that the delivery method significantly impacts a baby’s microbiome. While the study does not discount the importance of the microbiome, it suggests that other factors may have a more significant impact on its development.

    Future research is needed to understand better the factors that influence the microbiome and its impact on overall health. It’s essential to continue studying the microbiome and its role in maintaining good health, particularly in infants and young children.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the new study challenges the belief that the delivery method significantly impacts a baby’s microbiome. While there are differences in the microbiome between babies born vaginally and via cesarean section, these differences are small and do not persist beyond the first few months of life.

    Other factors, such as breastfeeding and the mother’s diet, may significantly impact the baby’s microbiome. It’s essential to continue studying the microbiome and its role in maintaining good health to understand better how to promote a healthy microbiome in infants and young children.

    References:

    Gilbert, J. A., Blaser, M. J., Caporaso, J. G., Jansson, J. K., Lynch, S. V., & Knight, R. (2018). Current understanding of the human microbiome. Nature medicine, 24(4), 392–400. https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.4517

    Rutayisire, E., Huang, K., Liu, Y., & Tao, F. (2019). The mode of delivery affects the diversity and colonization pattern of the gut microbiota during the first year of infants’ life: a systematic review. BMC Gastroenterology, 19(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-019-1039-7

    Stewart, C. J., Ajami, N. J., O’Brien, J. L., Hutchinson, D. S., Smith, D. P., Wong, M. C., Ross, M. C., Lloyd, R. E., Doddapaneni, H. V., Metcalf, G. A., Muzny, D. M., & Petrosino, J. F. (2018). Temporal development of the gut microbiome in early childhood from the TEDDY study. Nature, 562(7728), 583–588. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0617-x