It has long been known that caesarean section poses a moderate risk of conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and food allergy. The first stage of formation of the bacterial flora in the intestines is very important for babies to avoid such allergic diseases. The foundation of this flora is laid during the baby's encounter with the vaginal flora while moving through the mother's birth canal. Studies show that Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, known as beneficial bacteria, are less in the intestinal flora of babies born by cesarean section than in babies born vaginally.
Like babies born vaginally, babies born by cesarean section also come into contact with their mothers' vaginal microbiological environment. The process of applying the swab taken from the vagina during a cesarean section to the newborn baby's mouth, eyes, face and skin is called "vaginal insemination". In her study to benefit from the protective effect of the vaginal flora of babies born by cesarean section, microbiologist Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello from New York University applied samples taken from their mothers' vaginas to the babies' eyes, mouths and skin, and it was observed that it had positive effects. When babies who underwent vaginal insemination during cesarean delivery were compared with those who did not, it was found that the intestinal flora in babies who underwent vaginal insemination was similar to that in those who gave birth normally. It is thought that this situation will significantly prevent the risk of developing allergic diseases, which increases with cesarean section. However, research results on the benefits and harms of vaginal insemination are still limited. Harmful infectious agents such as Group B streptococcus, chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes simplex may be present in the mother's vagina, and the infection can be transmitted to the baby through this process. For this reason, mothers who want to have this procedure are recommended to have a gynecological examination before birth and vaginal culture tests to ensure that there are no bacteria or viruses that could harm the baby. In addition, there is insufficient scientific evidence regarding the long-term effects of this practice, and more studies are needed to routinely recommend vaginal insemination to mothers.
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