X
TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
Product Guide
Sign in
  • Together Against RSV
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • Events
  • Holiday Hub
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Vaginal seeding and why you should be wary of it

2 min read
Vaginal seeding and why you should be wary of it

Vaginal seeding can lead to severe infections in newborns—particularly where the mother has not been screened for disease

The human body is home to an estimated 100tn (teranewton) microorganisms that form a complex ecosystem known as the micro-biome, a report by the Guardian said.

Found in the intestines, colon, lungs, skin, and vagina, among other places; these microorganism possess health benefits to the immune system, and they assist the body dealing with infection and processing food.

The report says that right after birth, “a baby’s micro-biome closely resembles the bacteria of the mom’s vagina,” and this is believed to give the baby protection from harmful pathogens and illnesses after birth.

When a baby is born via C-section, he doesn’t get the dose of mummy-bacteria that a baby born via vaginal birth gets.

And so to compensate, mothers turn to a trend called vaginal seeding, a practice which involves swabbing the mother’s vaginal fluids all over the baby’s mouth, face, and skin after birth.

But now doctors are warning mothers against this practice.

Vaginal seeding can lead to severe infections in newborns—particularly where the mother has not been screened for disease.

Imperial College London’s senior lecturer, Aubrey Cunnington, said: “Many countries (including the United Kingdom and Australia) do not screen all women for these pathogens in pregnancy, and with 20-30 percent of pregnant women carrying group B streptococcus, vaginal seeding could result in many unintended neonatal exposures.”

“We have already needed to intervene to prevent vaginal seeding from a woman with genital herpes, and we expect trouble if the procedure gains wide popularity,” he added.

The British Medical Journal also advises health professionals not to do it. As for mothers who have already done it, they advised that they contact their doctors if their babies get sick.

“Of course, this may change in the future if evidence emerges to show clear health benefits of vaginal seeding,” the Journal said. “But at the moment the jury remains out on whether vaginal seeding actually does more harm than good.”

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below.

Partner Stories
Mom, Is Your Baby's Mouth Ulcer Keeping You Up at Night?
Mom, Is Your Baby's Mouth Ulcer Keeping You Up at Night?
Preschool Education is Not as Easy as A-B-C! Here’s What Your Child Really Learns and Why It’s Important!
Preschool Education is Not as Easy as A-B-C! Here’s What Your Child Really Learns and Why It’s Important!
Balabala Brings More Fun to VivoCity with its Grand Opening!
Balabala Brings More Fun to VivoCity with its Grand Opening!
Travelling with Kids? Here’s How to Keep Sore Throats at Bay According to a General Practitioner
Travelling with Kids? Here’s How to Keep Sore Throats at Bay According to a General Practitioner

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

James Martinez

  • Home
  • /
  • Baby
  • /
  • Vaginal seeding and why you should be wary of it
Share:
  • Ask the Expert | Family Nutrition Made Simple: Fuss-Free Ways to Keep Everyone Healthy

    Ask the Expert | Family Nutrition Made Simple: Fuss-Free Ways to Keep Everyone Healthy

  • Ask the Expert: How to Support Your Child’s Musical Journey

    Ask the Expert: How to Support Your Child’s Musical Journey

  • Ask The Expert: ADHD Awareness – Spotting Early Signs in Kids

    Ask The Expert: ADHD Awareness – Spotting Early Signs in Kids

  • Ask the Expert | Family Nutrition Made Simple: Fuss-Free Ways to Keep Everyone Healthy

    Ask the Expert | Family Nutrition Made Simple: Fuss-Free Ways to Keep Everyone Healthy

  • Ask the Expert: How to Support Your Child’s Musical Journey

    Ask the Expert: How to Support Your Child’s Musical Journey

  • Ask The Expert: ADHD Awareness – Spotting Early Signs in Kids

    Ask The Expert: ADHD Awareness – Spotting Early Signs in Kids

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
  • Family Occasions
  • Lifestyle
  • Normal Delivery
  • Ages & Stages
  • Trying To Conceive
  • News
  • TAP Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
© Copyright theAsianparent 2025. All rights reserved
About Us|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it