Vaginal seeding
Vaginal seeding (pronunciation: /ˈvædʒɪnəl ˈsiːdɪŋ/) is a medical practice that involves the transfer of vaginal fluids, containing the mother's microbiota, to a newborn child. This procedure is typically performed after a Caesarean section (C-section) birth, with the intention of mimicking the natural transfer of bacteria that occurs during vaginal birth.
Etymology
The term "vaginal seeding" is derived from the concept of "seeding" or planting the mother's microbiota into the newborn. The term was first used in medical literature in the early 21st century.
Procedure
The procedure of vaginal seeding involves swabbing the mother's vagina with a sterile gauze or cotton swab and then transferring the collected microbiota to the mouth, nose, or skin of the newborn. This is done with the belief that it may help to establish a healthy microbiome in the newborn.
Related Terms
Controversy
While some studies suggest potential benefits of vaginal seeding, such as a reduced risk of asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, the practice is not universally accepted. Critics argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the safety and efficacy of the procedure. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises against the practice due to the potential risk of transferring harmful pathogens from the mother to the newborn.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vaginal seeding
- Wikipedia's article - Vaginal seeding
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