Child Development and Types of Birth in a Colombian Population: Are Cesarean Sections Beneficial

Abstract

Birth is a physiologically and emotionally impactful event. It has been observed that negative biological circumstances during childbirth can influence neurodevelopment. The objective of this study was to determine whether variables such as the type of delivery (vaginal, cesarean), the age and educational level of the mother, as well as the number of children, may be associated with child development. This is a quantitative cross-sectional correlational study. A purposive sample of 100 children, born at full term through vaginal or cesarean delivery, attending the growth and development consultation, underwent the EAD-3 assessment. A descriptive-correlational analysis of the data was conducted using the SPSS.25 statistical package. It was found that a higher maternal educational level correlates with better development in a baby's motor and language areas. Similarly, it was observed that having siblings promotes child development in language and personal-social skills. Children born by cesarean section showed better development in fine motor skills and language, whereas children born through vaginal delivery exhibited better development in gross motor skills. The results support certain theoretical postulates; however, there are also conflicting results. Thus, the relationship between cesarean birth and all areas of child development remains inconclusive.