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The Long-Run Effects of Cesarean Sections

Author

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  • Costa-Ramón, Ana
  • Kortelainen, Mika
  • Rodríguez-González, Ana
  • Sääksvuori, Lauri

Abstract

This paper analyzes the long-term effects of potentially avoidable C-sections on children's health. Using Finnish administrative data, we document that physicians perform more unplanned C-sections during their regular working hours on days that precede a weekend or public holiday and use this exogenous variation as an instrument for C-sections. We supplement our instrumental variables results with a differences-in-differences estimation that exploits variation in birth mode within sibling pairs and across families. Our results suggest that avoidable unplanned C-sections increase the risk of asthma, but do not affect other immune-mediated disorders previously associated with C-sections.

Suggested Citation

  • Costa-Ramón, Ana & Kortelainen, Mika & Rodríguez-González, Ana & Sääksvuori, Lauri, 2019. "The Long-Run Effects of Cesarean Sections," Working Papers 125, VATT Institute for Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:fer:wpaper:125
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Erin M. Johnson & M. Marit Rehavi, 2016. "Physicians Treating Physicians: Information and Incentives in Childbirth," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 8(1), pages 115-141, February.
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    10. Jensen, Vibeke Myrup & Wüst, Miriam, 2015. "Can Caesarean section improve child and maternal health? The case of breech babies," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 289-302.
    11. Tonei, Valentina, 2019. "Mother’s mental health after childbirth: Does the delivery method matter?," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 182-196.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Fréget, Louis & Koch Gregersen, Maria, 2025. "Health and Economic Impacts of an Early Labor Induction Policy for High-BMI Mothers," CEPREMAP Working Papers (Docweb) 2501, CEPREMAP.
    3. Maxim Alekseev & Xinjue, Lin, 2025. "Trade Policy in the Shadow of Conflict: The Case of Dual-Use Goods," CEPREMAP Working Papers (Docweb) 2502, CEPREMAP.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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