Boston (SmartAboutHealth) - Researchers have found that having a C-section before 39 weeks into the pregnancy carries an increased risk of health complications.

The new study focused on 13,000 births all via C-section and was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The idea behind the study, led by Dr. Alan Tita of the University of Alabama at Birmingham was to see the risks associated with C-sections prior to 39 weeks.

Researchers found that a C-section before 39 weeks led to an increased risk of health complications such as feeding problems, respiratory problems and other ailments.

A baby born at 38 weeks was 50% more likely to face health complications, with the risk higher at 37 weeks.

The same can be said for a baby born late, as the risk increased after 41 weeks into pregnancy as well.