Comparative Study of Tactile Sensitivity in Children with Birth History of Full-term Normal Delivery vs Full-term Cesarean Section

Abstract

Disorders in sensory processing can cause problems in intellectual, emotional, motor, and social development, manifesting as behavioral and learning difficulties. Researchers have identified many possible causes, such as genetic, environmental, and perinatal factors. Detecting and identifying disturbances in the development of sensory processing and initiating early therapy is crucial for growth and preventing the development of secondary problems. In spontaneous labor, the first contact between mother and child is timely, which is crucial for establishing mother-child coordination and the child’s psychological development. However, in Cesarean section, the first contact time is delayed. Tactile processing plays a critical role in early physical and social development. This study aims to explore the impact of
the mode of delivery on the occurrence of tactile sensitivity in preschool children through a retrospective cohort study and provide a scientific basis for primary prevention and early intervention of the disease. Our analysis of the Short Sensory Profile data revealed that tactile sensitivity exhibited the greatest deficit among the seven assessed areas, and children born by C-section showed a statistically significant higher tactile sensitivity compared to children born by normal vaginal delivery. This difference was greater than the observed differences in taste/smell sensitivity and visual sensitivity. The study concluded that tactile sensitivity is more common in infants delivered by Cesarean section than in infants born by normal vaginal delivery. Early diagnosis and possible therapy for improvement, especially in children
born by Cesarean sections, is recommended.