Long-term effects of caesarean delivery on health and behavioural outcomes of the mother and child in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background Increasing rate of unnecessary caesarean section (CS) is now reported worldwide that intensified the occurrence of adverse health outcomes for mother-child dyads. We investigated the association of CS with some basic health and behaviour outcomes of the mother-child dyads in Bangladesh. Methods We conducted a community based case-control study from May to August 2019. Total of 600 (300 had CS, and 300 had vaginal delivery (VD)) mother-child dyads were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. Method of delivery was the exposure variable classified as CS and VD. The outcome variables were a group of health and behaviour problems of the mothers and their children. A series of binary logistic regression models were carried out to examine the effects of the exposure variable on outcome variables. Mother socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics were adjusted in the models. Results The mean maternal age (SD) and weight were 25.1 (5.2) years and 53.1 (7.2) kilogram, respectively. Higher likelihood of headache, after delivery hip pain, problem of daily activities, and breastfeeding problem were reported among mother had CS in their last birth than VD. Children born through the CS were reported a higher likelihood of breathing problem and frequent illness and a lower likelihood of food demand and sleeping. Conclusion The occurrence of CS increases the risk of health and behaviour problems among mothers and their children. This suggests the need for polices to avoid unnecessary CS and to increase awareness of adverse effects of CS. Frequent health checkup following CS is also important.