Researchers have found a surprising link between Caesarean sections and allergies developed in childhood.

New research may give certain women a strong reason to question the procedure. A C-section may be setting up their babies for food allergies.

MORE INFORMATION American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Study Abstract

A normal delivery accomplishes more that just getting the baby out of the womb.

"A normal woman has a number of bacteria living in the birth canal that turn out to be beneficial to the baby that passes through the birth canal," said Dr. Michael Kennedy, with the Northwest Asthma and Allergy Clinic, which has 10 locations in the state of Washington.

Those bacteria are crucial. They play a role in setting the baby's immune system in motion, so later on, allergies are resisted.

But when the baby is delivered through a C-section and the mother has a history of allergies, researchers say it could spell trouble down the road for baby.

A new study of nearly 3,000 children found that children delivered by C-section whose mother had allergies were four times more likely to have an allergic reaction to eggs. Parents reported an even higher chance of allergic reaction to fish or nuts.

Kennedy said even though it's still just a theory, the link is possible.

"They have a C-section, the types of bacteria that then colonize their intestine are usually bad ones from the hospital environment, and that probably provides the reason for their allergic reactivity," Kennedy said.

He said researchers are looking into ways pregnant women can protect their babies from inheriting allergies.

In the meantime, women who think they may be a candidate for a C-section should talk to an allergist during pregnancy.