Caesarian section delivery of infants is associated with increased risks of developing allergies to common foods and inhalant allergens according to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Sept 2018). Studies in the USA show a greater risk of developing allergies in babies born by Caesarian Section and lower rate in those born by Vaginal birth. It seems healthy full term babies with a family history of allergies are most at risk. Premature babies paradoxically are at lower risk of developing allergies because their immune system is stressed very early. It is postulated that the Vaginal Delivery method of birth introduces the infant to its mothers natural gut and vaginal flora in the birth canal which then stimulate the baby’s immune system to develop normally. Caesarian birth is a sterile procedure and the baby is thus not naturally introduced to the mother’s normal bacteria in early life.
