C-Section Surgery: Do All the Pregnant Women Need This?

In India caesarean section (C-section) surgery has become more popular than normal delivery over a few years. According to a District Level Household Survey 3 (DLHS) report, there has been an increase in the rate of C-section surgery, 28.1% in the private sector and 12% in the public sector health facilities to be precise.

C-section surgery is usually advised if a woman has any medical emergency. However, of late, the rates of preferring C-Section surgery have increased in cases of non-risky pregnancies, especially among the privileged class. ( TOO POSH TO PUSH) Factors such as fear of normal delivery, social norms, hurry to get back to work life, etc. are known to influence the parents to opt for caesarean deliveries.

During C-section, babies are delivered surgically through an incision made in the abdomen and uterus. C-section surgery is planned ahead based on the recommendation of the gynecologist in cases of pregnancy complications or among patients who previously underwent c-section and are not considering vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) or simply follow specific date and time as auspicious.

Pregnancy and birth can be unpredictable at times. Hence, a mother should be well prepared for every situation, even for a C-section. Visit the best gynecologist hospital in Bangalore to know all about pregnancy.
Vaginal delivery is considered the safest option for delivery, but even then C-section has become quite common due to reasons such as:

Stalled Labour: It means when the labour is not progressing which occurs when the cervix doesn’t open despite strong contractions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of caesarean are due to this.

Abnormal position of the baby: Usually a baby is positioned head-first near the birth canal, if the feet and butt of the baby are positioned toward the canal, a C-section is usually considered to ensure safe delivery.

Baby in distress: Lack of oxygen supply to the baby or change in the heartbeat would require C-section delivery.

Having multiple babies: For mothers carrying twins, triplets, etc., it is safe to deliver through C-section

Placenta Issues: When placenta partially or completely covers the cervix (placenta previa), normal delivery can be challenging. Sometimes, the placenta separates from the uterine lining which causes placenta abruption (losing of oxygen), hence required C-section for delivery.

Chronic health condition: Normal delivery is challenging for women with health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes. C-section also allows avoiding transmission of diseases such as HIV, genital herpes, etc.

Others: Having mechanical obstruction such as large fibroids blocking the birth canal, Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD - a condition when the mother has small pelvis or the baby has a large head to pass through the birth canal) and cord prolapse (when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix before the baby is born) need C-section.

Usually, a woman chooses C-section in order to avoid labour pain or possible complications of vaginal birth, but if you are planning multiple children then it is advisable to avoid C-sections. Multiple C-sections surgeries can put you at high risk of placental problems as well as heavy bleeding, which might require a hysterectomy ( surgical removal of the uterus). Therefore, it is recommended to consult with the best gynaecologist in Bangalore before planning your delivery options.

Consult the top gynecolgoist in Bangalore if you have any doubt related to the pregnancy or C-section.