Influence of type of birth on child development: A comparison by Bayley-III Scale

Abstract

Introduction: Elective cesarean section is associated with several damages to the newborn's health, such as respiratory, gastrointestinal problems and diabetes that last throughout life. However, few studies discuss aspects related to psychological development. Objective: To investigate the development of Brazilian children according to the type of birth and gestational age in the cognitive, language, motor, socio-emotional and adaptive behavior domains. Methods: This is an exploratory and descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the city of Sao Bernardo do Campo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, between June 2016 and March 2017. The final sample consisted of 263 children up to 42 months of age. For data collection were applied a socio demographic questionnaire and the Bayley-III Scale. The statistical analysis was based on both a North American reference sample and a local sample using the SPSS version 21, through Pearson's Chi-square statistical test and significance criteria p <0.05. Results: A significant difference (p<0.005) was observed, with a higher risk of problems in fine motor development and expressive language in children born at pre-term between 37-39 weeks compared to those born at term between 39-41 weeks. Significant difference (p<0.005) was also observed in sensory processing and adaptive behavior, with greater impairment in children born via elective cesarean section compared to those born vaginally. Conclusion: Despite its limitations and discrepancies, this research indicates potential impairments in the psychological development of children born at early term via elective cesarean.