🤔Ask The Expert: Can a C-section birth really affect your baby’s gut health and immunity?
You may have heard that how your baby is born can affect their gut health and even their immunity... but is that really true? This month, we’re diving into the connection between C-section deliveries and a child’s gut and immune development with Dr Jeanette Tan, Paediatrician at Parkway East Paediatric Clinic. From the early formation of a child’s gut microbiome to their ability to fight off infections, this is your chance to learn what science says, and how you can support your little one from the start. Whether you're currently pregnant or already navigating parenthood, this session is for you. 🗓️ 9 July – 31 July 2025 📍 Happening exclusively on theAsianparent app ✨ Got questions about how birth methods might affect your child’s health? Drop them below and let our expert help you find answers.
wah i heard if C-section then baby dont get good bacteria from mummy leh... really got such thing meh?
My firstborn was C-section. He always fall sick when younger leh… really linked to gut health ah?
Babies born via normal vaginal delivery have a more mature immune system in early life due to the exposure to the beneficial microbes in the mother's birth canal and the stress of labour which "kick-starts" their immune system. The good microbes in the birth canal colonizes the baby's gut, forming the foundation of healthy gut. In comparison, babies born via caesarian do not have the same exposure and therefore will have a different, potentially weaker gut microbiome which may affect the development of their immune system. However, it is important to remember that there are other causes of frequent illness. If the symptoms persist, it is paramount that you work with a paediatrician to identify the root of the problem.
I might need C-section for my first baby… does that really mean their immunity will be weaker ah?
Babies born via normal vaginal delivery have a more mature immune system in early life due to the exposure to the beneficial microbes in the mother's birth canal and the stress of labour which "kick-starts" their immune system. The good microbes in the birth canal colonizes the baby's gut, forming the foundation of healthy gut. In comparison, babies born via caesarian do not have the same exposure and therefore will have a different, potentially weaker gut microbiome which may negatively affect the development of their immune system. The mode of delivery should be decided based on medical indications and should not compromise the safety of both mother and child.
Hi. Csec mummy here! Anyone else’s baby always sneeze in the morning? Is it linked to immunity?
Sneezing in the morning could be due to allergic rhinitis and may not be linked to immunity. If the symptoms persist, please work together with your paediatrician to identify the cause of your child’s symptoms.
How do I know if my baby’s gut health is improving? Cannot just look at poop every time right?
Good gut health promotes growth and development, boosts immunity and prevents diseases as well as lowers the risk of development of allergy- related diseases such as asthma and eczema. Some signs of poor gut health include abdominal discomfort (eg: feeling bloated, gassy, tummyaches), poor bowel movements (constipation), diarrhoea, poor mood, fatigue, weight problems and allergies and food sensitivities. Improvement in any of the above signs of poor gut health will be a good indicator of improving gut health.
What can I do, diet or supplement-wise to support my baby’s immunity after a C-section birth?
We can help to boost our newborn's immunity by taking the necessary immunisations prior to delivery. This will ensure passive immunity for 6 to 12 months from the time baby is born. Vaccinating your baby as per the National Immunisation Schedule will also help to boost your baby’s immunity. In addition, post delivery, breast feeding, early skin-to-skin and probiotics will help to promote good gut health for baby born via caesarean which will in turn improve baby’s immunity. Only use antibiotics when necessary. Antibiotics are important to fight bacterial infections. However, they can wipe out the good bacteria along with the bad ones, negatively impacting gut health.
My girl csec one... now always fall sick. Is it really cos never go through natural birth ah?
Babies born via normal vaginal delivery have a more mature immune system in early life due to the exposure to the beneficial microbes in the mother's birth canal and the stress of labour which "kick-starts" their immune system. The good microbes in the birth canal colonizes the baby's gut, forming the foundation of healthy gut. In comparison, babies born via caesarian do not have the same exposure and therefore will have a different, potentially weaker gut microbiome which may affect the development of their immune system. However, it is important to remember that there can be other reasons for your child frequently falling sick. If the symptoms persist, it is paramount that you work with a paediatrician to identify the root of the problem.
Got difference between planned and emergency C-section? Immunity-wise still same or not?
Babies born via normal vaginal delivery have a more mature immune system in early life due to the exposure to the beneficial microbes in the mother's birth canal and the stress of labour which "kick-starts" their immune system. The good microbes in the birth canal colonizes the baby's gut, forming the foundation of healthy gut. In comparison, babies born via caesarian do not have the same exposure and therefore will have a different, potentially weaker gut microbiome which may affect the development of their immune system. In addition to the aforementioned differences in good microbe exposure, in emergency caesarian there are added conditions that arise from the reason for emergency caesarian which may further impact on baby's immunity such as maternal fever, prolonged rupture of membrane, prematurity, perinatal hypoxia (lack of oxygen) etc.
Are there long-term effects on immunity or allergies for babies born via C-section?
Some studies have shown that baby's born via caesarian may have a increased risk developing of allergy-related diseases such as asthma and eczema as well as immunity related diseases. This is primarily due to the difference in exposure to beneficial microbes during child birth. Babies born via normal vaginal delivery are exposed to the beneficial microbes in the mother's birth canal which colonizes the baby's gut, forming the foundation of healthy gut. In comparison, babies born via caesarian do not have the same exposure and therefore will have a different, potentially weaker gut microbiome which may affect their gut health and in turn increase their risk of developing allergy-related and immune-related diseases.
Can I still help boost my baby's gut health and immunity even if I had a C-section?
We can help to boost our newborn's immunity by taking the necessary immunisations prior to delivery. This will ensure passive immunity for 6 to 12 months from the time baby is born. Vaccinating your baby as per the National Immunisation Schedule will also help to boost your baby’s immunity. In addition, post delivery, breast feeding, early skin-to-skin and probiotics will help to promote good gut health for baby born via caesarean which will in turn improve baby’s immunity. Only use antibiotics when necessary. Antibiotics are important to fight bacterial infections. However, they can wipe out the good bacteria along with the bad ones, negatively impacting gut health.
Paediatrician