Allergist and Immunologist Questions Immune System and Disorders

Is it true that kids born out of a C-section have poor immunity?

I am 8 months pregnant and I am scheduled for a C-section delivery. Is it true that kids born out C-section have poor immunity levels?

3 Answers

There is evidence that children born via C-section have more asthma and allergies.
No, their immune system should be normal for age.
There is some truth to that, but it turns out that C section babies are more prone to developing atopy in childhood and adulthood. The important factor is what skin flora colonizes the baby's GI tract: skin flora from the nurses, the caregivers and the mother OR the mother's birth canal. I recommend you read up on the role of the microbiome in C section babies. Some OB/GYNs are now using what is called a "seeding" procedure. Hope this information helps.