A research has said that infants delivered vaginally get protective bacteria as they go through the birth canal.

According to Professor Patricia Conway, of the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of NSW, babies born by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus, however, are more prone to asthma, allergic infections and virus as they miss out on getting mothers' good bacteria.

Prof. Patricia said that the bacteria, left on the baby's skin, could then colonize the intestine and help inoculate newborns against hospital bugs.

Professor Conway stated that gut flora was also vital for originating a balanced immune system.

"With a C-section, the newborn baby misses an opportunity to pick up a lot of mum's good bacteria," she said.

She added, "This can have long-term health implications, as the development of a good intestinal ecosystem is necessary for health and immunity to allergies, from childhood right through to adulthood." (With Inputs from Agencies)