In the study, they believe the procedure could leave a mark on the child’s psyche.
Swedish scientists, led by graduate student Tianyang Zhang, analyzed data on more than 20 million newborns in 19 countries and came to interesting conclusions. Babies after a caesarean section are 33 percent more likely to have autism and 17 percent more at risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Over the past 30 years, caesarean sections have tripled worldwide. In 1990, an average of about 6 percent of babies were born this way. Nowadays, as a result of surgery, every fifth baby is born, or even more often. According to the researchers, the ideal proportion of newborns using caesarean should range from 10 to 15 percent. But at the moment, in the UK alone, the figure is 25.
To reduce the frequency of unnecessary elective caesarean sections, Zhang’s team set out to prove a link between surgery and brain damage.
“As far as we know, there is no evidence to indicate that a cesarean section, if not done for medical reasons, is beneficial for the offspring,” the scientists commented in a conversation with .
Studies have already shown that babies born in this way are more likely to be obese, suffer from allergies, and are at risk of developing asthma, type XNUMX diabetes and leukemia.
In their work, scientists suggested that the lack of contact with bacteria in the birth canal can affect the development of the immune system, which potentially leads to problems in the brain. And sensory development can be affected by the lack of a natural response to stress during childbirth, they added.
On the other hand, experts who were not involved in the study believe that the procedure itself becomes necessary due to conditions that can already provoke the development of autism. The causes of this disorder are still not well understood. And some suggest that genetic factors play a special role in its formation.
What are the signs of autism?
More than 1% of the population is considered autistic, according to the National Autistic Society, – about 700 thousand people in the UK or 3,2 million in the United States. People with this disorder have problems with social, emotional and communication skills.
There are a number of signs that autism can be identified:
– an unusual reaction to smell, taste, appearance or sensation;
Difficulty adapting to changes in routine
– Difficulty expressing desires using words or movements;
– inability to discuss your feelings or the feelings of others;
– not accepting acts of affection, such as hugging;
– avoidance of eye contact and preference to be alone;
Dr. James Findon, professor of psychology at King’s College, commented on the findings of his colleagues:
“It is important to note that the results do not suggest that cesarean delivery causes neurodevelopmental disorders. There are sibling studies showing that there is no caesarean section and autism. It is possible that this association is associated with a genetic or environmental factor common to both developmental disorders of the nervous system and the need for a cesarean section.
Andrew Shannan, a professor at King’s College London, explained that the need for a caesarean section is often caused by problems that can affect brain function, such as poor placental function. And most operations are ordered only because of the threat to the life of the mother or child.
Medical indications for caesarean section:
– complications during the current or previous pregnancy;
– the child is in the upward position;
– the child is in a lateral (transverse) position or constantly changes it;
– low-lying placenta;
– heart disease or diabetes;
– miscarriage or loss of a child in the past;
– expecting two or more twins;
– the child does not grow as it should grow in the womb;
– severe eclampsia or preeclampsia, which poses a danger in postponing labor.