Research by Insper has revealed that women are giving birth before the ideal time, which puts the baby’s health at risk
A recent survey by Insper (Institute of Education and Research), published in the journal Health Economic, revealed that Brazilian women give birth prematurely. Premature birth, according to the study, can harm the health of children.
Evidence indicates that scheduled cesarean sections are anticipated mainly during Carnival, which may benefit the comfort of doctors and mothers.
Although Carnival was a reference for the study, it is believed that the movement occurred during the various festivities that occur throughout the year. Therefore, the first caesarean sections are not limited to the celebration that usually takes place in February.
It is worth noting that Brazil is the second country with the highest rate of surgical births, according to the Ministry of Health. Here, about 55% of births are by cesarean section, a number second only to that of Brazil and the Dominican Republic, which is 58%.
This high rate goes against the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends that the rate of caesarean sections be only 15%.
C-section or natural birth?
The study raised the relationship between cesarean section and natural birth. According to the researchers, birth through natural birth has a better performance in terms of gestational maturity and neonatal survival. This is because it respects the correct number of weeks to give birth without health risks.
“Natural birth can be more beneficial for the baby’s health because it has a lower risk of developing respiratory problems, in addition to helping the baby develop his intestinal flora, also having a more active and healthy immune system, says Marcelle Bonomo, pediatric coordinator at Grupo Conaes Brasil.
Benefits for the mother include faster maternal recovery, shorter hospital stays and a reduced chance of contracting infections, the specialist adds.
Risks to the health of the child
The doctor reiterates that the practice of anticipating birth can involve a series of risks, even long-term, for the child. “Anticipating births without consulting the doctor can cause chronic respiratory problems in children, in addition to other series of complications, such as growth disorders, vision and hearing problems,” warns the specialist.
According to Marcelle, the ideal is for the birth to take place as close as possible to the expected date to allow the baby’s full development, generally between the 39th and 40th week of gestation. This is because in this way the possibility of pathologies is minimized, allowing the baby’s vital organs to fully develop. “This prediction should not be maintained unless it is a high-risk pregnancy and with the recommendation of an obstetrician,” she explains.
Additionally, premature babies face a greater challenge when breastfeeding, often requiring additional support, coupled with difficulty gaining weight.
“There is a higher chance of developing jaundice due to the immaturity of the liver, increasing the risk of infections, which can lead to neonatal sepsis and neurological problems. There is also a higher chance of admission to an intensive care unit, especially since the baby’s lungs may not be fully developed,” Marcelle emphasizes.
The people responsible for the survey conducted by Insper underline the need for public policies that limit the advancement of births without medical justification to minimize the birth of premature babies.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
