| Abstract: | Background: Caesarean deliveries at maternal request (CDMRs) are becoming increasingly common. There is still lack of evidence on potential postponed effect(s) of CDMRs on children's emotional and behavioural features, although such a possibility has been repeatedly postulated. This study aimed at evaluation of the emotional and behavioural characteristics in preschool children born from CDMRs. Methods: The study involved apparently healthy 5-year-old children from the community setting (40 born from CDMRs and 40 age and sex matched vaginally born controls). Inclusion criteria were: first-born singletons, delivery at term, the only children in families, married parents, and appropriate household conditions, absence of any inborn abnormalities, disabilities, chronic and progressive diseases. Children attended preschool day-care centres at the time of the study. The mothers were also presented with the Child Behaviour Checklist for Ages 1.5–5 years (CBCL1.5/5) aimed at assessing children's emotional and behavioural characteristics. Results: Children born from CDMRs presented with significantly higher values (more problems) on the following empirically based scales: anxiety/depression, withdrawal and sleep problems. They had statistically significantly higher values on so-called internalizing problems, both in girls and in boys. Associations remained significant after adjustment for major potential confounders. Conclusion: Children born from CDMRs may face more emotional disturbances and sleep problems at preschool age. |
