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The association between caesarean section and cognitive ability in childhood
Michael Hanrahan1, Fergus P McCarthy2,3, Gerard W O'Keeffe4
1School of Public Health, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|October 24, 2019
Summary
Planned caesarean sections (CS) show a small association with visual-spatial cognitive delays in children. This study highlights the need for further research into the potential impact of delivery mode on cognitive development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Global caesarean section (CS) rates are rising, prompting concern about potential long-term effects on child development.
- Previous research on the link between CS and childhood cognitive outcomes is limited and inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the mode of delivery (obstetric) and longitudinal cognitive development in childhood.
- To examine if caesarean birth influences verbal and visual-spatial cognitive abilities over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative UK cohort of 8845 participants.
- Assessed cognitive functions, including verbal and visual-spatial skills, at ages 3, 5, 7, and 11 years.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between planned caesarean section (CS) and visual-spatial cognitive delay at ages 5 and 7.
- Planned CS was linked to increased odds of early and persistent visual-spatial cognitive delay.
- No association was observed between mode of delivery and verbal cognitive abilities.
Conclusions:
- A modest association exists between planned CS and visual-spatial cognitive delay in childhood.
- Further research is warranted to explore this relationship and its underlying causal mechanisms.
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