Articles tagged with Cesarean Birth
A systematic review found that babies born by caesarean section or exposed to antibiotics around the time of birth tend to have differences in their gut bacteria composition, with less diversity and beneficial bacterial groups less abundant. Exclusively breastfed infants appear to show a partial restoration of microbial balance.
A new wearable monitoring system called OMEGA aims to replace outdated fetal heart rate monitoring technology with a unified real-time assessment of fetal oxygen delivery and adaptive capacity. The system could potentially reduce C-section rates and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, saving millions in healthcare costs.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
Patients with prior C-sections are more likely to succeed in a vaginal birth at predominantly Black-serving hospitals, new research reveals. However, Black patients still face lower success rates compared to white patients.
A new trial from China finds that giving tranexamic acid to women with placenta praevia undergoing caesarean birth leads to a significant reduction in severe bleeding after delivery. The treatment also showed no evidence of an increase in serious adverse events.
A study reveals that caesarean delivery alters microbial colonisation in the first days of life, with distinct effects on male and female mice. Males born by caesarean section develop increased susceptibility to colitis in adulthood, while females do not. This difference is linked to changes in gut microbiota and barrier function.
The University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health are now part of the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Care Network, expanding access to research on pregnancy and newborn health. Clinical trials will focus on maternal mortality, prematurity birth rates, and infant mortality rates.
A novel AI model has been developed to accurately detect placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in pregnancy, a life-threatening condition often undetected by current screening methods. The model was retrospectively reviewed on 2D obstetric ultrasound images from 113 patients at high risk for PAS and found to be accurate in detecting all cases.
A systematic review of 12 million births in 25 European countries found that private hospitals have a significantly higher caesarean section rate than public hospitals. Among low-risk first-time mothers, the increase in caesarean sections is attributed to non-medical factors such as local routines and financial incentives.
Patients who undergo unscheduled cesarean deliveries are at substantially increased risk for acute psychological stress during childbirth. Results show that over 1 in 4 patients experienced clinically significant acute stress shortly after birth.
A new study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that sexual minority individuals have a 7% higher odds of primary Cesarean birth compared to completely heterosexual participants. Disparities were especially pronounced when labor was induced, raising concerns about potential provider bias and unequal interve...
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth year in a row. The hospital provides world-class care for parents and newborns, with a focus on compassion, expertise, and dedication.
A US cohort study from 2012-2021 found persistent disparities in cesarean births by race and ethnicity, with non-Hispanic Black individuals facing increased risks. The study highlights the need for quality improvement efforts to address structural racism and reduce unnecessary cesarean births.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that general anesthesia may be a suitable option for women undergoing C-sections, offering them more control over their delivery experience. The study analyzed 30 years' worth of data and found small differences in newborn health between babies born under general ane...
Researchers found that women who had Caesareans during advanced labor are eight times more likely to develop scars near or within the cervix, increasing the risk of premature births. The study also discovered that scars lower down the womb heal less well than those higher up.
The percentage of births via cesarean section increased from 20.27% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 21.19% during the pandemic, peaking at 22.14% during the sixth wave.
A cross-sectional study found elevated rates of severe maternal morbidity among marginalized racial and ethnic groups with planned cesarean births. The study emphasizes the need for interventions to improve quality of care and promote equity for this population.
Pregnant women with fatty liver disease are at an increased risk of giving birth prematurely, with a threefold higher risk compared to the general population. The study also found that women with fatty liver disease had a 63% higher risk of caesarean section.
Research suggests that labor and delivery units with adequate nurse staffing have lower cesarean birth rates and higher vaginal birth rates. Hospitals aligned with national standards for nurse staffing saw a 11% decrease in C-sections, indicating improved maternal outcomes.
A new study suggests that cesarean sections performed during labor are associated with an increased risk of recurrent preterm birth and mid-trimester loss in subsequent pregnancies. Cervical damage may be the underlying mechanism for these findings, highlighting a growing clinical concern.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals a significant increase in severe maternal morbidity and birth complications in Illinois between 2016 and 2023. The findings highlight the impact of chronic health conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and mental health disorders on pregnancy outcomes.
A study found that Brazilian women are giving birth too early, impairing the health of their babies, due to manipulation of birth timing around Carnival. Preterm deliveries via cesarean section lead to reduced gestational age and birth weight, especially in high-risk pregnancies.
A study by the University of Cambridge and Fudan University found that children born by C-section are up to 2.6 times more likely to fail their first measles vaccination compared to those born naturally. Two doses of the vaccine are necessary for robust protection against measles.
No significant disparities in receipt of general anesthesia were found among laboring patients who had labor epidural catheters in situ across different racial and ethnic groups. The study suggests that prior care disparities may contribute to higher rates of general anesthesia among minority groups.
Research suggests delaying cord clamping by two minutes can significantly reduce mortality rates among premature babies. This allows blood to flow from the placenta, easing breathing transitions and potentially saving lives.
A randomized clinical trial found that high-frequency electrical stimulation device reduced opioid use and prescribed opioids after cesarean delivery, suggesting a potential adjunct to decrease opioid use without compromising pain control.
Researchers found that women with adenomyosis experienced higher rates of complications during pregnancy, including caesarean sections, surgical removal of the uterus, and wound complications. The study also linked adenomyosis to increased risks of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and placenta previa.
A multi-nation cohort analysis found that mothers with higher BMIs have shorter breastfeeding durations due to inflammation and cesarean section deliveries. The study identified dietary and systemic inflammation as modifiable factors associated with longer lactation duration in people with high BMI.
US delivery-related hospital mortality decreased for all groups between 2008 and 2021, while severe maternal morbidity increased, particularly among older women and minority patients with comorbidities
A new Michigan statewide study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks of pregnancy does not necessarily reduce the risk of cesarean births. In fact, for some birthing individuals, it may even have the opposite effect if hospitals don't take a thoughtful approach to induction policies.
A study of 460,000 privately insured postpartum women found that those giving birth after March 2020 were more likely to fill potent opioid prescriptions. This increase was particularly notable among cesarean births, raising concerns about opioid misuse and overdose risk.
A new condition, Caesarean Scar Disorder (CSDi), has been defined by an international study led by Amsterdam UMC. More than 30% of women who undergo a caesarean section experience long-term symptoms like abdominal pain and fertility problems, caused by abnormal uterine scars.
A Danish cohort study found that children born by cesarean section had lower chances of graduating from secondary education, but no significant difference in grade point averages or intelligence scores. Additionally, male CS births were less likely to be drafted into the military.
Researchers found that mothers can transfer microbes to their babies via alternative routes, including skin and respiratory tracts. Cesarean-born babies make up for receiving less of their mother's gut microbiome by drinking in breastmilk.
A new study found that a single oral dose of azithromycin reduced the risk of maternal sepsis or death by 33% in women who delivered vaginally. The results showed lower rates of specific maternal infections and fewer hospital readmissions after delivery.
A Rutgers study found that infants who died unexpectedly in the first week of life had different risk factors compared to those who died later. The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2015 and found that mothers of infants dying in the first week showed less evidence of common risk factors such as smoking during pregnancy.
A large population study found a 14% increased risk of developing Crohn's disease among children born via cesarean section. The study suggests an association between cesarean section and altered gut microbiome, warranting further research.
Researchers analyzed nearly 100,000 pregnancies and found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and poor birth outcomes. The study provides further evidence on the safety of mRNA vaccines for pregnant individuals.
A new study found that pregnant women with kidney or liver transplants can safely undergo trial of labor without increased risk to themselves or their babies. In fact, vaginal births resulted in improved outcomes for the baby without compromising maternal health. Conversely, cesarean births were associated with higher risks of complica...
A mixed-methods study found that units with more family physicians and midwives had lower cesarean delivery rates. The study identified unit culture factors that contributed to success, including valuing patient-centered care and shared decision-making.
A new study of over seven million births from four countries found that cesarean-born babies are at increased risk of infection-related hospitalisation during early childhood. The study recorded a small but consistent increase in the absolute risk of infection-related hospitalisation rates in children up to five years of age compared w...
A decade-long study found that vaginal childbirth substantially increases the probability of developing pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse, later in life. The study also identified delivery modes associated with higher risk, including spontaneous vaginal delivery and operative vaginal delivery.
Researchers found that vaginal births reduce cell death in brain regions, while C-sections lead to increased ultrasonic vocalizations and altered hormone expression at weaning. Cesarean-born mice also had greater body weight.
A new national study has found that inducing labor in first-time mothers at 39 weeks can lower respiratory problems and potentially decrease cesarean rates and hypertension. Researchers suggest discussing induction with healthcare providers to inform the decision, as it may lead to significant changes in pregnancy management.
A randomized trial found that induced labor at 39 weeks significantly reduced cesarean birth rates compared to expectant management. Healthy, first-time mothers who underwent elective induction had lower rates of preeclampsia and respiratory support for their newborns.
In Mexico, disparities in cesarean births are significant, with rates varying by insurance program and delivery location. The study found that enrollees in Seguro Popular had lower cesarean birth rates than those without insurance or in other programs.
A Purdue University study of an indigenous group of Maya people reinforces the link between Cesarean births and obesity. The study found that mothers who have high BMI and had a cesarean are going to have the fattest children in the village, with differences in child sizes suggesting birth method plays a role in development.
A large study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that individuals born by cesarean delivery were 15% more likely to become obese as children than those born vaginally, and this risk may persist through adulthood.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that children born by cesarean delivery are at a higher risk of becoming obese compared to those born via vaginal birth. The research found a 15% increase in the risk of obesity in children after cesarean birth, with siblings born vaginally being 64% more likely to be obese.
A recent Yale study examining the rise in cesarean births found that a significant proportion of the increase was due to slow progress in labor and fetal heart rate concerns. The researchers also discovered that suspected large infants, twin pregnancies, and preeclampsia contributed to the increase despite stable rates in the population.
A UBC study found significant regional variations in C-section and assisted vaginal delivery rates across British Columbia, which cannot be explained by medical indications. The researchers suggest potential reasons include differences in practitioners' responses to dystocia and resources available.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that women having a planned cesarean section are at a significantly higher risk of severe complications. The rate of severe complications was found to be 27.3 per 1000 deliveries for cesarean sections, compared to 9.0 per 1000 deliveries for vaginal deliveries.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal explores the trend of elective cesarean sections, highlighting concerns about comparing vaginal birth to planned cesarean delivery. Hannah argues that only a comparison of planned vaginal and planned cesarean births can determine which carries greater risk to mother and baby.