©Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. No commercial re-use. See Permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
World J Clin Pediatr. Mar 9, 2026; 15(1): 111501
Published online Mar 9, 2026. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.111501
Published online Mar 9, 2026. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.111501
Gastrointestinal consequences of cesarean section birth: A systematic review of short- and long-term effects in infancy and beyond
Mohammed Al-Beltagi, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31511, Algharbia, Egypt
Mohammed Al-Beltagi, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
Salman Alzayani, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
Nermin Kamal Saeed, Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Governmental Hospitals, Manama 12, Manama, Bahrain
Nermin Kamal Saeed, Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
Adel Salah Bediwy, Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Alghrabia, Egypt
Adel Salah Bediwy, Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
Archana Prabu Kumar, Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
Hosameldin A Bediwy, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Algharbia, Egypt
Reem Elbeltagi, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
Co-first authors: Mohammed Al-Beltagi and Salman Alzayani.
Author contributions: Al-Biltagi M, Alzayani S, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Kumar AP, Bediwy HA, and Elbeltagi R contributed to data collection, analysis, manuscript drafting, and critical revision of the content; all authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare that there is no conflict of interest related to this manuscript.
PRISMA 2009 Checklist statement: The authors have read the PRISMA 2009 checklist of items, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the PRISMA 2009 checklist of items.
Corresponding author: Mohammed Al-Beltagi, MD, PhD, Consultant, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, 1 Hassan Radwan Street, Tanta 31511, Algharbia, Egypt. mbelrem@hotmail.com
Received: July 1, 2025
Revised: August 7, 2025
Accepted: November 14, 2025
Published online: March 9, 2026
Processing time: 248 Days and 12.4 Hours
Revised: August 7, 2025
Accepted: November 14, 2025
Published online: March 9, 2026
Processing time: 248 Days and 12.4 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Cesarean section (C-section) delivery is associated with altered neonatal gut microbiota and a higher risk of both short- and long-term gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. This systematic review summarizes evidence linking C-section to infantile colic, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and celiac disease. The review highlights gut dysbiosis as a central mechanism and identifies modifiable factors—including breastfeeding, probiotic use, and reduced antibiotic exposure—that can mitigate risks. Understanding these associations enables clinicians to provide personalized postnatal care and early interventions that may prevent chronic GI outcomes in C-section-born infants.