Childbirth and New Omics Sciences: an Ecological Perspective

Epigenetics can be defined as the study of the changes in the genetic expression that do not involve changes in the inheritable DNA sequence. The epigenetic mechanisms can cause the characteristic phenotypic traits of the parents to be transmitted to their children, both directly and indirectly. During the first moment of life, numerous nucleotidic sequences are activated, and the way in which this takes place can have longterm consequences. Delayed or anticipated clamping of the umbilical cord at birth, the administration of medication, such as synthetic oxytocin or Fentanest (fenantyl®) during labour, can have long-term effects on the health of both the mother and newborn child. Being informed regarding epigenetic mechanisms also enables to carry out positive actions, such as reducing the number of resorts to Caesarean sections for trivial reasons. This enables the newborn to acquire the mother’s vaginal microbiome. Support breastfeeding and to modulate maternal nutrition, in order to programme better eating habits in newborns and adults, could be a useful strategy in the reduction of obesity and diabetes in many countries around the world.