Gut Bacteria Treatment for Babies Born by Cesarean Section

Plain-English translation of NCT06282952 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether a fecal microbiota transplant — a treatment that introduces healthy gut bacteria from a donor — given to newborns within hours of a planned cesarean delivery can help prevent obesity and immune-related diseases as they grow. Babies born by cesarean section miss out on beneficial bacteria they would normally receive from their mother during vaginal birth. Researchers want to see if replacing those bacteria early in life makes a difference in their long-term health.

Babies born by cesarean delivery have different gut bacteria than those born vaginally, and this difference has been linked to higher risks of obesity and certain immune problems later in life. This study aims to find out whether giving this treatment early can prevent those health problems from developing.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are a pregnant woman between ages 18 and 49
you are scheduled for a planned (elective) cesarean delivery at 37 weeks of pregnancy or later
you are willing to provide written consent and allow your newborn to participate
your newborn is born healthy without complications requiring intensive care or antibiotics in the first hours after birth

You likely don't qualify if…

you are pregnant with twins or multiples
you are currently taking immunosuppressive medications or have a diagnosed immune system disorder
you or a close blood relative of your unborn baby have a diagnosed or suspected immune deficiency
your baby is born prematurely (before 37 weeks), weighs less than 2500 grams, or requires breathing support or antibiotics right after birth

What participation looks like

If your baby is randomly assigned to receive the treatment, they will receive the fecal microbiota transplant from a healthy donor within 6 hours after birth. If assigned to the control group, your baby will receive standard care without the treatment. Either way, you and your baby will be followed for up to 3 years with regular visits for stool samples, growth measurements, health questionnaires, and reviews of medical records to track your baby's development and health outcomes.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 6, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Finland

Oulu University Hospital, Oulu