Planned caesareans linked to breathing problems in babies

London, Dec 12 (UNI) Avoid going for a planned caesarean section as it has been linked to breathing problems in babies in the first few days of their life.

According to a new study, babies born through a planned caesarean section were up to four times more likely to suffer from breathing problems in the early days of their life.

The research showed that the earlier the caesarean is carried out, the higher the risk.

The Guardian quoted lead author Dr Anne Hansen of Denmark as saying,''More and more women request a caesarean without any obvious reason. This study tells them that there is a risk. You should know that there is a risk that your child will be in an incubator for a few days and you should put your foot down and say I don't want this at 37 weeks - I want to wait until 39 weeks.'' The study claimed that the babies at highest risk of breathing problems were those born by caesarean at 37 weeks, when their lungs would also not be as well developed as they would be if left to term (40 weeks).

Dr Hansen said there was no good reason why elective caesareans were carried out at 37 weeks, adding that even if caesarean section was to be done due to medical reasons, it may be best not to do it before 39 weeks.

The study did not investigate whether there were any long-term effects on the children.

UNI