Main Trial of the Cesarean Section and Intestinal Flora of the Newborn Study

Main Trial of the Cesarean Section and Intestinal Flora of the Newborn Study

In this study the investigators assess whether, in CS-delivered infants, the intestinal microbiome could be successfully and safely normalised by postnatal oral transfer of maternal fecal microbiome.

In this study the investigators assess whether, in CS-delivered infants, the intestinal microbiome could be successfully and safely normalised by postnatal oral transfer of maternal fecal microbiome. After faecal microbiota transfer, the children are followed for 24 months for the evaluation of markers of, for example, atopy-related diseases, and changes in immunomarkers associated with the transfer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• non-eventful pregnancy
• planned elective CS
• Finnish language competency

Exclusion Criteria:

Mother:

• maternal refusal
• positive findings in screening samples
• maternal antibiotic treatment within 4 weeks of delivery (excluding the antibiotic given immediately prior to clamping of the umbilical cord)
• travel outside European Union during 3 months prior to delivery
• CS after the onset of labor (non-elective CS)

Newborn:

• birth below 37 weeks of gestation
• Apgar score of less than 8
• disturbances of neonatal adaptation (such as transient tachypnea of the newborn)
• antibiotic treatment of the newborn before discharge