A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill has revealed that around 25% of babies born through vaginal deliveries experience a small amount of bleeding in their brains. Interestingly, no instances of brain bleeding were found among babies delivered through Caesarean section. However, the research team is cautious about interpreting these findings as a reason to promote C-sections.
The researchers believe that the discovery of brain bleeding in newborns during vaginal deliveries is not a recent phenomenon but has gone undetected until now due to advancements in imaging technology. Dr. Honor Wolfe, one of the obstetricians involved in the study, also reassures that there is no evidence suggesting a link between these bleeds and any long-term mental or physical impairments.
Dr. John Gilmore, a psychiatry professor involved in the study, explains that the pressure exerted on the baby’s skull during passage through the birth canal is likely responsible for the bleeding.
The study involved a relatively small sample size, with 88 newborns (equal numbers of boys and girls) being analyzed. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging was performed on these infants approximately two weeks after birth. Out of the 65 babies delivered vaginally and the 23 delivered by C-section, only 17 of the vaginal delivery babies experienced intracranial hemorrhages, mainly in the lower rear part of the brain. Not a single C-section baby had brain bleeding.
While the majority of these bleeds are considered normal and resolve on their own without causing any issues, larger bleeds may lead to learning difficulties, motor development problems, or seizures later in life. Further research is needed to better understand the potential long-term impacts of these bleeds.
Overall, this study sheds light on the prevalence of brain bleeding in newborns and highlights the importance of advanced imaging techniques in accurately diagnosing and monitoring such conditions.
SOURCE:MSNBC
I just wanted to add that the group I belong to for “preemie moms” are talking about this as well. Most of them had c-sections and their babies had brain bleeds. The topic of discussion right now is that the magnesium sulphate can cause this….always so much to research and argue!