Yale University released a study this week that could drastically change the way that scientists, doctors, midwives, and parents view the decision to give birth vaginally or by cesarean. According to the new research, vaginal birth – but not C-section – releases a mega dose of a certain brain-boosting chemical in newborns.
The brain chemical in question is known as UCP2. This protein has been found to promote brain function, protection, and stimulates development in the hippocampus, the area of the brain that deals with short and long-term memory and spatial orientation. Without UCP2, as the study found, brain development is severely impeded.
UCP2 is a critical brain-booster for newborns that:
- Promotes free-radical scavenging, protecting against brain damage
- Promotes the formation of new synapses in the hippocampus
- Protects against seizures, particularly when combined with breastmilk (which is high in fat and confers additional neuronal protection)
- Assists in the digestion of breastmilk
- May have long-lasting behavioral effects that carry on into adulthood
In the study researchers compared the brains of newborn mice that were born vaginally with those born by C-section, and found much higher amounts of UCP2 in the vaginally born mice. Mice born by C-section had some UCP2 but the levels were much lower and their production of UCP2 appeared to be impaired. Though the study was using mice, the research has profound implications for childbirth, especially concerning the practice of performing elective or non-medically necessary cesareans.
Is the Stress of Normal Birth Protective?
Why would UCP2, such a vital chemical for building stronger brains, be impacted by the type of birth one has? Interestingly, scientists know that UCP2 production is triggered by stress and that it helps cells survive under stressful conditions. Vaginal birth is a significant physiological stress for newborns, as their heads and bodies are repeatedly squeezed during pushing contractions along with the umbilical cord, creating moments of temporary oxygen deprivation (or hypoxia) in the newborn.
It is thought that newborns are built to withstand the stress of normal labor, but the mechanism is not fully understood. The UCP2 protein may provide an answer. The study authors speculated that the physical stress of the birth passage may be what triggers such a dramatic release of UCP2 during vaginal birth.
In contrast – UCP2 is released in much lower amounts during cesarean birth because it is arguably not as physically stressful for newborns. C-section babies are born relatively quickly, with little change in their oxygen levels. This relative lack of stress may make cesareans seem more attractive to some.
However, if there is truly a relationship between newborn stress and increased UCP2 levels, maybe stress is not the enemy. In fact it would seem that, in the case of childbirth, normal physiologic stress may be a crucial factor in building a stronger brain.
As tempting as it may be, we cannot yet apply these findings to people, nor can we conclude from these findings that birth by cesarean has lifetime ill effects on the brain development and behavior of adult humans. But this study does seem to suggest that there may be adverse, long-term effects of cesareans on behavior and cognition, and this topic should be more thoroughly explored in future studies.
This research ultimately sends a strong warning message to health care providers who continue to perform elective, or non-medically necessary cesareans, and presents yet another reason to seek providers who offer safe alternatives to cesarean birth and practices that lower cesarean risk.
Original Source: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0042911
Photo by Raphael Goetter
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Regarding comments from parents who are justifiably upset by these headlines, I want to offer the idea that this research could be used to improve cesarean practices for those c-sections that are necessary, and to gather support for eliminating “the unnecessarean”. Yes – I think cesarean can be improved! Clearly there are pitfalls! We need to know what those are because it is a procedure that should absolutely continue to be improved, not as a means to encourage more people to have them, but to make it better for the babies and mothers who DO have to have them. This evidence is exciting because it points to ways cesarean may not be meeting babies’ needs, and we need to refine out postpartum and newborn cesarean care so that we can meet their needs more effectively. Hopefully, from research like this, we can expect both vaginal birth and c-section practices to improve in the right direction!
Corporate Bred
Question: Is this primarily a Western World problem? Is this, in fact, a problem of The Great Hulking North American Neanderthals, bred by corporate selection for suitability for the cheap exploitation of the “low hanging fruit”, the easy natural riches, of North America these past 350 years? Is it in fact an Anthropologically based symptom?
I am sorry… but this defence of C/S is offensive. The heart of the matter is that we are seeing so many unnecessary C/S. A necessary C/S is a wonderful thing indeed but an elective C/S or a C/S promoted by doctors without pressing reason has long be indefensible. Yes these parents who have been misguided feel guilty but rather than pacify them why not turn them into activists. Let them lead the way to ensure that others do not follow the same path that they were misled into. Let them be strong… let them say… I made this decision with the best information I had at the time! Now I see so much information that show me an unnecessary C/S is neither best for me nor best for my baby!!
Indeed I think you are quite right, there are far too many c- sections and often they are presented to parents in the moment as necessary, but the roots of this are much more complex. What needs to be included in this discussion is a more thorough understanding of labor and birth interventions and how risk for c/s increases with the use of many of those interventions. Oftentimes, parents have a choice early on to decline interventions, and if they are prepared for birth, they may feel more comfortable using alternatives to risky interventions. When parents are encouraged to become aware, and to prepare, we will see declines in surgical births. I think people using their experience for activism can be a wonderful thing, as well. Thanks for sharing your views with us and keep on spreading the word!
Uncle B, in response to your comment, it is surely an interesting question, where does this come from? C section is not nearly as readily available in developing countries as it is in the US, and the vast majority of women who die in childbirth today live in Africa and Asia. However, the maternal mortality rate in the US is still a terribly high 48th in the world, infant mortality is just as abysmal at 49th in the world, and yet, our c/s rate is about 1 in 3, or 34%. We can therefore surmise that at least in the case of the US, c-section has not made maternal or infant mortality particularly rare, leaving us to ponder many questions including the one you raised- why does this happen? Please keep on looking for answers!
If you are interested in stats, here you go: http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.STA.MMRT?order=wbapi_data_value_2010+wbapi_data_value+wbapi_data_value-first&sort=asc
Well, if you look at the time of day when C-sections spike, it’s around 5pm and 11pm. Who doesn’t want to be home for dinner, or home for bed? Ricki Lake did an excellent documentary on this topic called “The Business of Being Born”. Besides the baby’s brain, the vaginal birth process also creates a unique chemical in the mother’s brain, which creates a natural bond to the baby. So, yes, of course vaginal birth is healthier for all concerned. Only in very rare circumstances are C-sections every NEEDED for the health of mother or child. C-section rates in my county are approaching 50% of all births!
Finally, the birth position used in western hospitals with the woman flat on her back, feet raised in stirrups is the WORST possible position for giving birth. Fighting gravity and her own muscles, this position is for the convenience of the doctor, to give them a better view and access. Women KNOW how to have babies, not really something that requires much study here, folks!