Vaginal seeding (after C-section): Procedure, when it's done & risks

The microbiome is the collection of microbes – bacteria, fungi, and viruses – that live inside our bodies. While we often think of viruses and bacteria as things that make us sick, small amounts of them live inside us to help protect us against disease, to help us digest our food, and to help develop our immune system [3]. 

For a long time, the uterus and vaginal canal were thought to be a sterile environment, meaning that an infant was believed to only be exposed to microbes, or bacteria, after delivery. Scientists now appreciate that already in the womb, the fetus is exposed to a wide range of flora that play an important role in helping build the baby’s microbiome, which not only helps grow their immune system but also contributes to the overall development of many of their biological systems. After birth, breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and the environment are all important sources of exposure in early life. [1]

What is vaginal seeding?

Vaginal seeding, or vaginal microbial transfer, is when samples of the mother’s vaginal fluid are given to the infant via a gentle swab to the newborn baby’s mouth, nose, or skin. The idea behind the procedure is to replicate the microbial exposure that a baby born vaginally receives as it travels through the birth canal and contribute important microbes to the baby’s microbiome. [1,2] 

As rates of vaginal delivery have declined in certain parts of the world, scientists began wondering whether c-section births might limit the exposure of infants to the microbes of the vaginal canal. Studies have found that infants delivered via c-section have different bacteria composition in their skin, mouths, nasal passages, and digestive systems than babies born vaginally [1]. But while bacterial exposure (or a lack of exposure) has been linked to various respiratory and digestive health conditions, there is no evidence that c-section births disrupt the ultimate healthy development of your baby’s microbiome [4].

Despite its recent popularity, there is currently no medical evidence to suggest that the possible benefits of vaginal seeding outweigh the known risks. For that reason, most professional health authorities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, recommend against the procedure [2]. 

How is vaginal seeding performed?

Vaginal seeding involves soaking sterile gauze with vaginal fluids to collect the vaginal flora, or microbiome, of the mother. Then those fluids are transferred to the newborn by swabbing the surface of their skin, inside of their nose, or inside of their mouth with the sample immediately after birth. This procedure is not accepted in medical practice by most doctors, and therefore, it is typically performed by the mother with help from a partner or other person present at the delivery. [4]

Purpose & benefits of vaginal seeding

The method of delivery affects the types of microbes that babies are exposed to. Babies born vaginally have been shown to have different types of bacteria on their skin and in their gut than babies born via c-section [1]. However, there is no evidence that c-section delivered babies develop different or weaker microbiomes, or that vaginal seeding is an effective way to expose infants to important bacteria [4]. 

When it comes to giving birth, a safe delivery is the most important thing. Elective or unplanned c-sections are medically safe and performed in the best interest of you and your baby’s health. 

Advantages

In theory, vaginal seeding attempts to mimic the microbial exposure that an infant will experience when entering the world through the vaginal canal. At this point, however, there is not enough scientific evidence that vaginal seeding has any clear health benefits in the short or long-term for the baby. For that reason, doctors do not include it in standard medical care during c-sections [1]. 

Risks

Newborns have very immature immune systems and it’s important to avoid unnecessarily exposing them to extra microbes that can make them sick. Current data shows that vaginal seeding increases this exposure without any clear health benefits [2]. 

When is vaginal seeding performed?

Vaginal seeding is typically performed immediately after the baby is born to try to expose the baby to the microbes that it would have been exposed to had it been born vaginally. However, because the baby is so young, its immune system isn’t fully developed. This means that any accidental exposure to bacteria or disease can make a newborn very sick. As most professional medical associations do not support the procedure at this time, it often falls upon the partner or another person present at the birth to help perform vaginal seeding. 

For this reason, it’s important to discuss vaginal seeding with a healthcare provider or your birthing team. While the care professionals themselves will likely not administer the procedure, they can help you become informed and prepared at the time of delivery [5].

Pregnancy & after birth support with Natural Cycles

There’s a lot of information out there when it comes to the birthing journey. Natural Cycles is here to help. As a pioneer in women’s health, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to take charge of your health. Natural Cycles is designed to support you throughout the fertility journey from planning to following your pregnancy and with tailored postpartum guidance after birth. Why not see if Natural Cycles is right for you today?