Acquisition of microbiota according to the type of birth: an integrative review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1518.8345.4466.3446

Keywords:

Microbiota; Obstetric Delivery; Cesarean Section; Parturition; Immune System; Newborn Infant

Abstract

Objective:

to analyze scientific evidence regarding the relationship between the type of birth and the microbiota acquired by newborns.

Method:

this integrative review addresses the role of the type of delivery on newborns’ microbial colonization. A search was conducted in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online/PubMed and Virtual Health Library databases using the descriptors provided by Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and Health Science Descriptors (DeCS).

Results:

infants born vaginally presented a greater concentration of BacteroidesBifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus in the first days of life and more significant microbial variability in the following weeks. The microbiome of infants born via C-section is similar to the maternal skin and the hospital setting and less diverse, mainly composed of StaphylococcusStreptococcus, and Clostridium.

Conclusion:

the maternal vaginal microbiota provides newborns with a greater variety of colonizing microorganisms responsible for boosting and preparing the immune system. Vaginal birth is the ideal birth route, and C-sections should only be performed when there are medical indications.

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Published

2021-07-19

Issue

Section

Review Article

How to Cite

Coelho, G. D. P. ., Ayres, L. F. A. ., Barreto, D. S. ., Henriques, B. D. ., Prado, M. R. M. C. ., & Dos Passos, C. M. . (2021). Acquisition of microbiota according to the type of birth: an integrative review. Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 29, e3446. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518.8345.4466.3446