C-section swab trend warning

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25 2016 IT IS increasingly popular with new mothers keen to give their babies’ fragile immune systems the best start in life.

But experts warn the trend for swabbing the mother after a Caesarean section to transfer “protective” bacteria to their baby – known as microbirthing or vaginal seeding – can actually put newborns at risk.

As demand for the practice is rising in British hospitals, they have revealed that serious infections and even sexually transmitted diseases can be passed on to babies.

When babies are born naturally, they pick up a range of beneficial bacteria while moving down the birth canal. This gives their immune system a kick- start, protecting them against developing allergies.

But those born by C-section – about a quarter of all births in the UK – are not exposed to them.

Microbirthing was thought to counter this problem, and involves swabbing the newborn’s body and face with bacteria from the mother. The practice can be carried out by the mother, her partner or medical staff.

But writing in the medical journal BMJ, doctors from Imperial College London warn there is no evidence it works and that babies are actually at risk of harm, including picking up group B strep – a serious infection that can be fatal.

Lead author Dr Aubrey Cunnington said: “One colleague had to intervene when a mother with genital herpes was about to undertake this process. Swabbing would have potentially transferred the herpes virus to the baby.

“Doctors, nurses, midwives and parents need to be aware they are doing something with a potential risk that currently doesn’t have any evidence of benefit.” – Daily Mail