Babies born by cesarean section more likely to develop allergies

Babies born by cesarean section may be more likely to develop allergies.

Researchers evaluated more than twelve hundred newborns when they were one month, six months a year and two years old.

By age two, babies born by cesarean section were five times more likely to have allergies to common household allergens than those born naturally.

Study authors say their findings advance the thought that early childhood exposure to microorganisms affects immune system development.

The findings are scheduled for presentation at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas.