Impact of Vaginal Seeding on Microbial Development in Cesarean Births: A Review

Abstract

Aim/Background: This review examines the influence of vaginal seeding on microbial development in infants born via Cesarean section, highlighting concerns about altered microbial colonization and the potential benefits of early microbial exposure. The rising global Cesarean section rates have prompted a closer look at the role of vaginal seeding in restoring microbial diversity in infants.Materials and Methods: From an initial identification of 891 articles, six (6) studies from 2020 to the present were analyzed to compare microbial composition differences among delivery modes and assess the effects of vaginal seeding on infant microbiota. Literature research was conducted using reputable academic databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, and Cochrane Library.Results: Vaginal seeding was found to establish specific microbial taxa in Cesarean-delivered infants, including taxa from the gut, oral, and skin microbiota, indicating a convergence of microbial compositions. The analysis revealed conflicting results on the effectiveness of vaginal seeding in restoring microbial diversity, emphasizing the need for further research and larger-scale randomized controlled trials. Conclusion and Recommendations: While some studies suggest positive effects of vaginal seeding on gut and skin bacteria, safety concerns and a lack of definitive benefits have led reputable organizations to discourage its practice. Extensive, well-designed trials are needed to validate findings, understand specific microbial strains transferred during seeding, and assess the long-term health implications of vaginal seeding.

Keywords: Vaginal Seeding; Microbirthing; Cesarean; Microbiota; Infants; Neonates; Maternal Microbes; Microbial Colonization; Microbial Seeding; Vaginal Swabbing; Infant Gut Microbiome; Vaginal Birth