MICROBIOTA

microbiotakapak

FROM BIRTH CANAL TO GUT: THE INFLUENCE OF DELIVERY MODE ON MICROBIAL COLONIZATION

Gizem Nil Kurtoğlu1
Caner Köse2

1İstanbul Göztepe Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, İstanbul, Türkiye
2Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Department of Gynecology, Ankara, Türkiye

Kurtoğlu GN, Köse C. From Birth Canal to Gut: The Influence of Delivery Mode on Microbial Colonization. Melek İM, Aydoğan S, eds. Microbiota. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.39-50.

ABSTRACT

The human microbiome plays a pivotal role in the health and well-being of a newborn, with outcomes affecting both early life and adulthood. Not only does the microbiome regulate the health of a newborn in early life, but it also has several implications for long-term health. Shaped by both genetic and environmental factors, the microbiome of a newborn is particularly established during pregnancy as well as during the early days of life and infant microbiota is influenced by mainly maternal factors, gestational age, mode of delivery, feeding practices. The mode of delivery, whether vaginal or cesarean, plays a pivotal role in shaping the newborn microbiome, which significantly impacts both shortand longterm health outcomes. Vaginal delivery promotes the colonization of beneficial microbes, including Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium facilitating immune development, metabolic regulation, and gastrointestinal health. In contrast, C-section delivery is associated with a higher prevalence of skin and hospital microbiome as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Propionibacterium, Clostiridium. This early-life microbial dysbiosis has been linked to increased risks of metabolic and immune-related diseases, including allergies, asthma, and obesity, neurodevelopmental diseases. Additionally, mode of feeding, and antibiotic use further influence the establishment and stability of the newborns microbiome. Interventions such as probiotics and breastfeeding can mitigate the adverse effects of C-section deliveries on microbial development. Understanding the relationship between delivery mode and microbial colonization is crucial for optimizing neonatal health and preventing long-term health complications.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal microbiome; Brain-Gut axis; Microbiota; Infant health

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