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Microbes from Mom: Vaginal Birth vs. C-Section

Topic

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteria
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Immune System
  • Reproduction & Development

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Animated Shorts

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:09:13
Saved By
18 Users
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Description

This short video explores how a baby’s microbiome is established during birth.

As babies emerge from the sterile conditions in the womb, they are immediately colonized by microbes from the mother’s vagina. Nearly a third of babies in the U.S. are born through caesarean section (C-section), which means that the first microbes they come into contact with are those from the mother’s skin and hospital environment, rather than ones from the vagina. Scientists are investigating whether the resulting difference in microbiomes may account for an increased risk of health conditions like allergies and asthma. They are also testing methods of restoring vaginal microbes to C-section babies.

This video is part of the series I Contain Multitudes, hosted by science journalist Ed Yong.

Key Terms

cesarean delivery, gut microbiome, infant, maternal microbial transmission, vaginal delivery, vaginal seeding

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files meet criteria. Video files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 03.23.18
Date Updated 03.23.18

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS4.B

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-3

IB Biology (2016)

6.3

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1

Materials

Transcript (PDF) 254 KB

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