Impact of mode of birth and perinatal antibiotics on infant gut microbiota and health: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Takeaways - MDSpire

Impact of mode of birth and perinatal antibiotics on infant gut microbiota and health: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Heidi Singleton

  • Anna Mantzouratou

  • Rabeea Maqsood

  • Hayley Brown

  • Stevie Corbin-Clarke

  • Christopher Long

  • Minesh Khashu

  • July 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of birth method and perinatal antibiotic exposure on infant gut microbiota.

  • 2

    Eleven studies involving 5309 infants were included, revealing reduced microbial diversity and beneficial taxa due to caesarean birth and antibiotic exposure.

  • 3

    The analysis indicated that exclusive breastfeeding may help mitigate some negative effects on gut microbiota associated with caesarean delivery and antibiotics.

  • 4

    Findings suggest a consistent pattern of association between delivery mode, antibiotic exposure, and early microbial assembly in infants.

  • 5

    The overall certainty of evidence was very low, highlighting the need for further research on the long-term health implications of altered gut microbiota.

Original Source(s)

Impact of mode of birth and perinatal antibiotics on infant gut microbiota and health: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • by Heidi Singleton, Anna Mantzouratou, Rabeea Maqsood, Hayley Brown, Stevie Corbin-Clarke, Christopher Long, Minesh Khashu

  • July 3, 2026

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