How Cesarean Section Births Affect Allergies

Discussed in a recent CNN article and Medical News Today article is the idea of where allergies come from. An allergy is brought about by the body's reaction to an antigen. The body sees this antigen as a harmful invader instead of the harmless element it is. Allergens cause your body to produce Immunoglobulin E antibodies. These antibodies are responsible for identifying and destroying harmful invaders. However, in the process, they release histamine and other chemicals that create allergic reactions.

Sensitivity to the invaders is what brings on the allergic reaction. What is unknown is what causes  sensitivity. It is believed that this sensitivity develops even in the womb. It has been found that babies born by a Cesarean Section are 6 times more likely to be sensitive to allergies. Babies who are born via C-section have a different micro biome in their gastrointestinal tract. While in the womb, babies are sterile. As they pass through their mother's birth canal, they are exposed to many bacteria, and the body can learn the difference between the good and bad bacteria. However, through a C-section, the baby is only exposed to bacteria found in skin cells. From this, babies born through C-section are more susceptible to allergens.