2 Dec 2024 • Children born via Caesarean section (C-section) are significantly more likely to experience poor nutritional outcomes, including higher rates of stunting (19.3% vs. 15.6%), wasting (6.2% vs. 4.5%), and underweight (21.8% vs. 17.2%) compared to those born through normal vaginal delivery.

Additionally, the risk of neonatal mortality was higher among C-section infants (8.5 deaths per 1,000 live births) compared to vaginally delivered infants (5.3 deaths per 1,000 live births).

This trend was particularly pronounced for mothers with a third or higher-order birth, who faced a higher risk of neonatal and infant mortality when undergoing C-section.

These findings suggest that C-section deliveries may adversely affect child nutritional status and survival, emphasizing the need for policies to reduce unnecessary C-sections and promote safe, normal deliveries in health facilities, especially in public hospitals.

Source: BMC Pediatrics Read full story