Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 4-11-2023

Course Name

LONI INPR 310 - Work in Thought and Action

Faculty

Dr. Joanna Simos

Department

College of Global Studies

Abstract

The creation of the immune system starts from the womb. The expecting mother plays an immense role outside of the genetic influence in developing a neonate’s immune system. The mode of birth has a substantial impact, as the neonate’s initial moments can have lasting impacts on the making of a proper immune system. A mother should have the choice in choosing between a vaginal birth or a cesarean section and this paper looks to provide aid in the decision process by contrasting the two modes in terms of immunological impact, especially as the rate of c-sections climb (1,2). The approach of this paper is a collective case study, to understand the similarities and differences between the two modes of birth, vaginal and cesarean section (31). Specifically, it’s an instrumental case study as the purpose of the paper is to gain insight overall (32). A combination of primary and secondary research is conducted, using strategies to analyze each source type. Research techniques include an interview, observation, direct interpretation, and categorical aggregation to collect and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data (30,32). The main contrast between the two modes of birth is the creation of the neonate’s gut microbiota, as its diversity and amount is directly proportional to the proper development of the neonate’s immune system (17). Overall, a c-section can cause the underdevelopment of the immune system increasing risk of short-term and long-term effects on the newborn. Therefore, it is necessary for these consequences to be regarded more highly when choosing a delivery method.

Comments

Special thanks to Dr. Joanna Simos and Dr. Burak Salgin.

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