Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

For Babies, Some Labor May Be Better Than None, Study Suggests

andre_anna via Flickr

In the United States, nearly one third of infants are born through C-section, despite evidence that these babies have more health problems than those delivered the natural way. But a new big data studyout of Scotland may make a tough decision a little easier for moms-to-be. 

Tracking children's health over years, researchers found that those born through emergency C-sections - who experienced some labor, fair a bit better than those born in scheduled operations, especially when it comes to type 1 diabetes. 

The New York Times' Roni Rabin explains why the process of labor may be so protective. 

C-Sections Are Best With a Little Labor, a Study Says