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| image credit: rebelcircus.com |
Western Sydney University collaborated with University Medical Center Groningen and VU Medical Center (Amsterdam), Flinders University (South Australia), UCLAN University (UK), Sydney University and the University College Cork (Ireland) on the landmark study.
Researchers analysed linked population and health data, pertaining to 491,590 healthy women and their children born in New South Wales from 2000-2008. The children's health was then followed during their first 28 days of life, and up to 5 years of age, until 2013.
The findings, published today in Birth,(opens in new window) include:
Researchers analysed linked population and health data, pertaining to 491,590 healthy women and their children born in New South Wales from 2000-2008. The children's health was then followed during their first 28 days of life, and up to 5 years of age, until 2013.
The findings, published today in Birth,(opens in new window) include:
- Infants who experienced an instrumental birth following induction or augmentation had the highest risk of jaundice and feeding problems.
- Infants born by caesarean section had higher rates of hypothermia following birth.
- Children born by emergency caesarean section had the highest rates of metabolic disorders in later years.
- Odds of respiratory infections, metabolic disorder and eczema were highest amongst children who experienced any form of birth intervention.
Professor Hannah Dahlen, from Western Sydney University's School of Nursing and Midwifery, says the aim of the study was to examine the association between operative (e.g. cesarean section) and medical (induction or augmentation of labour) birth interventions on a child's health in the first 28 days and first five years after birth.
