Skip to Content

Why are C-sections so common in India?

C-sections are becoming increasingly common in India due to a combination of factors such as rising demand, changing perceptions of childbirth, fewer skilled birth attendants, structural deficiencies in the health system, and socioeconomic considerations.

Demand for C-sections is increasing because many women and families prefer them because of the perception that C-sections are safer, less painful, and offer a more convenient, ‘conventional’ method of childbirth.

Furthermore, access to skilled birth attendants, particularly in remote rural communities, is severely lacking and often, C-section is the only available method of delivery available to expectant mothers.

Structural weaknesses in the Indian health system are also playing a role, as many hospitals ignore the World Health Organisation’s guidelines and exceed the suggested C-section rate- C-sections often being seen as a more profitable option for hospitals.

In addition, despite the health risks, C-sections have become a mark of status in certain parts of India and can result in shorter stays in hospital and quicker postpartum recovery compared with natural childbirth.

As C-sections afford a “luxury”, many women and families can view them as being worth the cost, even if they come with a risk of complications. For these reasons, C-sections have become a popular option in India.

What country has the highest C-section rate?

The country with the highest c-section rate is Brazil, where approximately 65% of all births are performed via c-section. This is the highest rate in the world, far above the global average of 19.1%.

Experts point to Brazil’s healthcare system as a key factor contributing to the high c-section rate, as c-sections tend to be seen as an expedient form of childbirth that is often quicker and easier than natural labor, which minimizes wait times and simplifies ongoing medical care.

In addition, c-sections are also becoming increasingly common due to an increased preference among Brazilian women for the method, despite potential risks.

Which Indian celebrity had C-section?

Many Bollywood celebrities have opted for C-section surgeries to welcome their babies. Some of the Indian celebrities who have opted for a C-section are Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kajol, Karisma Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Madhuri Dixit, Twinkle Khanna, Genelia D’Souza, and Amrita Rao.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one of the most popular Indian celebrities who chose C-section over normal delivery when her daughter Aaradhya was born. She had to go through the C-section after the doctors noticed reduced fetal movements.

Kareena Kapoor Khan turned to the surgery for the birth of his son Taimur Ali Khan Pataudi. Kajol and Karisma Kapoor had their children through C-section, as did Shilpa Shetty, who was advised to go for the surgery due to the risk of an elder child being hurt during delivery.

Madhuri Dixit also chose the surgery for her son Raayan.

Twinkle Khanna, Genelia D’Souza, and Amrita Rao also opted for C-section surgeries. Twinkle Khanna had the surgery for the birth of her daughter Nitara, whereas Genelia D’Souza underwent surgery for both her children Riaan and Rahyl.

Amrita Rao chose C-section over normal delivery when her son, Veer, was born.

Are you awake during C-section in India?

No, you’re not typically awake during C-section in India. The procedure is done while the patient is asleep beneath general anesthesia. This means that the patient is completely unconscious and unaware of the surgery.

During the procedure, the anesthesia prevents the patient from feeling any pain or discomfort. The anesthesia is usually given intravenously (IV) or through a mask placed over your nose and mouth. Additionally, local anesthesia can be administered to numb the lower body to keep patients comfortable throughout the procedure.

After the procedure, the effects of the anesthesia typically wear off quickly, allowing you to wake up and begin your recovery.

How can I avoid C-section in India?

Firstly, consult a doctor and get as much information as possible about the pregnancy before making any decisions. Make sure to visit your doctor regularly throughout the pregnancy, as early detection and treatment of any problems can help reduce the risk of needing a c-section.

It is also important to build the physical and mental strength needed for a successful vaginal delivery. This includes exercising regularly, eating a healthy balanced diet and attending prenatal classes to increase your knowledge about labor and delivery.

Additionally, discuss the risks and benefits of assisted delivery options with your doctor, such as vacuum extraction or forceps, which may help avoid the need for a c-section if labor progresses slowly.

You can also reduce the risk of c-section during delivery by developing an effective labor and delivery plan with your doctor. These plans should include the best practices for natural labor and include strategies for dealing with any difficulties during the delivery process.

Finding the right doctor and hospital is also important, as some are more experienced and have lower rates of c-section than others.

It is also important to remember that while c-sections can be absolutely necessary in some cases, it is important to discuss the risks of any delivery technique with your doctor before deciding on the most suitable one for you.

Why C-section is preferred?

C-section is generally preferred when vaginal delivery poses a risk of infection or injury to the infant or mother. C-sections are performed in cases when the baby is too large to pass through the mother’s birth canal, when multiple births occur, or when the baby is in a breech between the legs or butt.

C-section is also preferred in cases when the baby is not in the head-down position or when the umbilical cord slips into the birth canal ahead of the baby. It is also preferred when the mother has an active genital herpes infection or any other STI, or if the baby is having fetal distress or if labor is slow and not progressing.

C-section is a great way to ensure a safe and healthy delivery for both the mother and baby, which is why it is preferred. A C-section is performed under general anesthesia and the procedure usually lasts about one hour.

During the procedure, the mother’s abdomen and uterus are opened by a surgical incision. After the baby is delivered, the placenta and umbilical cord are removed, and the incision is closed with stitches or staples.

C-section is a major surgery and it should be performed only when medically indicated. However, it does offer a range of benefits compared to vaginal delivery. C-section carries a lower risk of complications to both mother and baby and reduces risks of neonatal mortality, postnatal depression, and postnatal trauma.

It also provides a more predictable and manageable birthing experience, allowing both mother and baby to recover more quickly.

What are the main reasons for C-section?

The main reasons for C-section are as follows:

1. Fetal Distress: If there are signs that the baby may be in distress, such as an erratic heartbeat, the doctor may recommend a cesarean delivery to prevent further stress.

2. Maternal Complication: C-section may be opted by the doctor if the mother is too sick or not strong enough to have a normal delivery. This could be due to medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

3. Pre-Labour Cervical Dysfunction: If a vaginal delivery seems too risky due to abnormal or insufficient dilation of the cervix, a C-section could be the safest option.

4. Abnormal Fetal Position: If the baby is in an abnormal position such as breech, the doctor may recommend a C-section to be on the safe side.

5. Multiple Births: When carrying twins, triplets or more, doctors may recommend a C-section to ensure the safety of both mother and the babies.

6. Placenta Previa: It is the medical condition in which the placenta blocks or partially blocks the cervical opening. A C-section is the safest option in this case.

7. Congenital Problems: If there is any congenital abnormality, C-section is usually opted as the safest delivery option.

Can I have normal delivery after C-section in India?

Yes, you can have a normal delivery after a C-section in India. However, it is important to note that this is not always possible, and there may be certain risks associated with it. It is also important to talk to your health care provider before making a decision regarding your delivery.

Generally, if the mother has had a previous cesarean section, a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) may be a safer option than another C-section. VBAC can be a safe and effective way for some women to deliver their baby after a prior C-section.

Your doctor will determine if you are a suitable candidate for VBAC based on factors such as: your health condition, the number of previous cesarean sections you have had, the time elapsed since your previous surgery, and your baby’s position in the uterus.

In some cases, women who have had a previous C-section may also be eligible for a trial of labor, or TOLAC. This is a method of labor and delivery where labor is allowed to proceed until the doctor decides that it is not safe, at which point a C-section is performed.

It is important to understand that a TOLAC is a medical decision and not a choice that you make.

There may also be certain risks associated with a VBAC, such as the risk of uterine rupture. It is important to discuss with your doctor all the risks and benefits associated with a VBAC, so that you can make an informed decision about your delivery.

If a VBAC is not recommended for you, then a planned C-section may be the safest option for you and your baby.

How can I deliver my baby normally in India?

If you are pregnant and considering having a normal delivery in India, there are several steps you can take to ensure you have the safest and healthiest experience possible. Firstly, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your medical history, review any potential complications, and set up a prenatal plan.

Your healthcare provider will likely recommend attending regular prenatal checkups and that you start taking prenatal vitamins. Additionally, it’s crucial that you follow a balanced diet and get regular exercise to ensure the health of both you and your baby.

During your prenatal visits, your healthcare provider may suggest labor-inducing techniques such as relaxation therapies, massage, and changes in your diet. Additionally, certain medications are also available to help you induce labor naturally or to speed up the process if it’s taking too long.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations to ensure the safety and health of you and your baby.

Prior to giving birth, you will receive an ultrasound to assess the position of the baby, followed by regular checkups to monitor your progress. Once you are close to full-term, your healthcare provider will assess your progress and examine you to determine if your cervix is ready for delivery.

Once labor begins, your healthcare provider will monitor your contractions, the baby’s heartbeat, and your progress as you progress through labor. Your healthcare provider will also determine when you are ready to push and when it’s time for your baby to be delivered.

During labor, you can also utilize relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, and massage to help you cope with the pain and discomfort.

Delivery in India is typically done in one of three methods: natural, assistive, or cesarean delivery. Your healthcare provider will determine which method is best for you and your baby. It’s important to make sure you know what is involved with each delivery type and to have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Overall, delivering your baby normally in India is possible with the right healthcare provider and the right preparation and support during your pregnancy and labor. It’s important to have regular checkups and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for a safe, healthy, and successful delivery.

How many weeks delivery is safe in India?

The answer to this question could vary depending on various factors such as the medical history of the mother, her health at the time of conception, and the baby’s development. Generally, full-term pregnancy lasts from 37 to 42 weeks in India.

It is recommended to deliver the baby within 38-40 weeks. If the pregnancy lasts beyond 42 weeks, the doctors may suggest induction of labour to ensure the safety of mother and the baby. It is important to consult with the doctor and get regular checkups to decide the right time to deliver.

Why do doctors avoid C-sections?

Doctors avoid C-sections whenever possible due to the risks associated with the procedure. C-sections are major abdominal surgery, so they carry a higher risk of infection, excessive blood loss and potentially longer recovery times.

Additionally, multiple C-sections can increase the risk of placenta accreta, a condition in which the placenta becomes abnormally attached to the uterus, and can lead to even more serious complications.

Non-surgical delivery methods, such as natural birth and forceps delivery, are often preferred due to being less invasive and having fewer risks associated with them. As a result, doctors typically strive to use natural delivery methods before considering a C-section.

What happens if you refuse C-section?

If you refuse a C-section, you put yourself and your baby at an increased risk of both short-term and long-term medical complications. During labor and birth, a C-section can be a safe and effective way to deliver a baby if vaginal birth becomes too dangerous for either the mother or child.

A C-section helps to prevent the potential risks of a difficult vaginal delivery such as uterine rupture, intense bleeding, or oxygen deprivation in the baby caused by umbilical cord problems. Refusing a C-section increases the risk of these dangerous potential complications and can lead to maternal and/or infant death.

Long-term risks of refusing a C-section can include intestinal, genitourinary, or neurological issues for the baby. These greater risks for the baby due to a prolonged labor and delivery can cause lifelong consequences for the baby and can also be dangerous for the mother.

After delivery, the mother can face greater risks of infection and increased recovery time due to the more invasive C-section.

Ultimately, it is important to discuss all of the potential risks and benefits of a C-section with your doctor prior to labor and delivery so that you are fully aware of all of your medical options.

Can a woman refuse a C-section?

Yes, a woman can refuse a c-section. The decision to have a c-section is ultimately up to the woman, her doctor, and any other healthcare providers involved. It is important to understand that while c-sections can be life-saving, they also come with potential risks, such as increased risk of infection, increased risk of complication, and a longer recovery time.

A woman may need to weigh these risks and benefits and make an informed decision on whether to proceed with a c-section. Every woman can make her own decisions with her doctor’s guidance, and no one should be forced or coerced into having a c-section without their consent.

What is the way to give birth natural or C-section?

The decision to give birth by either natural or C-section is a personal one that should be discussed between the mother, her obstetrician and/or midwife, and any other healthcare providers involved in her care.

Generally, natural births are safest when there are no medical contraindications for a vaginal delivery, such as a breech baby or a history of long and difficult labor. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the vast majority of healthy pregnant women should attempt a vaginal delivery, as the risks of C-section are usually higher than those of a natural birth.

Some potential benefits of a natural birth include: labor that is faster, fewer infections, less need for pain medications, a newborn with improved health due to the natural delivery, and a quicker recovery for the mother.

Additionally, many women find the labor and delivery of a natural birth empowering and rewarding.

Despite the increased risks that C-sections bring, there may still be some cases in which a C-section is recommended or even necessary. Such instances can include if the baby is not in the head down position, if the mother is tested positive for Group B Strep, if delivery is needed before 39 weeks, if labor must be induced, or if there is underlying maternal or fetal health problems (hypertension, heart disease, etc).

In these cases, C-sections can often be a safer alternative to natural birth.

Ultimately, the decision to give birth naturally or by C-section is an individual one and should be discussed thoroughly with the healthcare provider by the mother. It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of both before making a decision.

How long does it take to recover from C-section India?

The average recovery time for a c-section in India can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, such as the patient’s overall health and the complexity of the procedure. Generally speaking, however, most women can expect to take a minimum of six to eight weeks, or sometimes even longer, to fully recover from a c-section in India.

The first few weeks will involve rest, pain management and careful monitoring of the incision site to ensure that it is healing properly. After a few weeks, the patient can start to gradually return to gentle and low impact activities such as short walks and light stretching.

Generally speaking, women should expect to wait a full six to eight weeks before returning to their normal daily activities, including exercise and sexual activity. It is important to talk to your doctor about your specific recovery timeline, as there may be additional considerations depending on your individual situation.