| Abstract [eng] |
Introduction. Сaesarean section rates are rapidly increasing worldwide. The growing number of these procedures raises concerns among healthcare professionals regarding the potential negative effects on the health of mothers and children. Aim. To review the scientific literature of the past decade comparing the short-term and long-term outcomes for mothers and children in natural childbirth versus planned caesarean sections. Methods. A search of literature sources was conducted using the PubMed database. Selected articles were open access, full-text, in English, published between 2015 and 2024, and met the inclusion criteria: singleton pregnancies, term delivery, cephalic presentation, normal vaginal delivery, and planned caesarean section. A total of 20 scientific publications were included in the literature review. Results. Planned caesaren section is associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage, infections, pulmonary embolism, longer recovery times, complications in subsequent pregnancies (uterine rupture, placenta accreta), mental and behavioral disorders, and for mothers. Natural childbirth increases the risk of episiotomy, perineal and pelvic floor injuries. Children born via planned caesaren section are breastfed for shorter periods, experience weaker maternal bonding, and have a higher risk of anemia, asthma, food allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, overweight and obesity. This mode of delivery may also be associated with an increased risk of respiratory disorders in the newborn period, the need for treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit, growth disorders, diabetes, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. However, the research findings are controversial and do not yield clear conclusions regarding these complications for the child. When comparing the two modes of delivery, no significant association was found between either mode (natural childbirth or planned caesaren section) and the risk of low Apgar scores, birth injuries, cerebral complications, jaundice, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, cancer, or behavioral and emotional problems in children. Conclusions. Both natural childbirth and elective caesaren section have consequences for the health of mothers and children. Natural childbirth is associated with perineal and pelvic floor injuries for the mother but is safe for the child. In contrast, planned caesaren section carries both immediate and long-term risks for both mother and child. Therefore, it is important to consider the FIGO recommendation to perform caesaren sections only for medical indications, and women wishing to undergo caesaren section should be informed about the benefits and risks of caesaren delivery versus vaginal delivery, the implications for both mother and child, and potential future complications. |
