Why has there been a rise in C-Section deliveries off late? 

The journal The Lancet published a study of c-sections around 169 countries. The study revealed the rate of c-section in the past 15 years has increased twofold from 12 per cent to 21 per cent. The study also found over 60 per cent of the countries overuse and 25 per cent underuse c-section procedure. The different reasons for use or over-use include social, cultural, poverty levels, insurance coverage and a previous c-section which seem to complicate vaginal-delivery in the next pregnancy.

The rise in c-section was majorly seen in North America, Western Europe, Caribbean and Latin America. For example, in Latin America, the rise in c-section is 30 per cent in the last 15 years and it has to do with women undergoing c-section even if they are capable of vaginal-delivery. Whereas, countries in Africa in which there is less access to c-section underuse of the procedure occurs.

 The Lancet also warned that c-section surgery is not a low-risk surgery and has consequences (immediate and later part of the surgery) such as scars, still-birth, preterm birth and risky subsequent pregnancies.

 C-section contributors

Only 7-10 per cent of the pregnant women may be under serious complications to undergo a c-section surgery and here comes the role of health providers and obstetricians recommending c-section procedure. In most of the cases, doctors promote a vaginal-delivery but when they face complications like cervical dilation, the non-progression of labour and if the fetus is at risk, then the Doctors might advise for a C-section. But in many cases women are opting for C-section even when there is a chance for normal vaginal delivery, Apart from women opting for easier delivery through C-section, doctors also could be contributing to increased c-section surgeries, points out the study.

VBAC: vaginal birth after C-section

If you choose VBAC, you will be closely monitored and if there is any distress during labor either for you or the baby, the doctor may decide for an emergency C-section. One of the risks of VBAC is that the scar from previous surgery which could come apart during labor. This is a very rare occurrence and could be serious for both the mother and baby. A woman in her 3rd or 4th pregnancies with a previous caesarean may be at higher health risks.

It is clear that the aftermath of a c-section will have an effect on the next pregnancies and sometimes on the overall health of the women for decades to follow. The one-time caesarean may not support the second or later procedures.

 Effects on baby

The babies born in a c-section tend to have a respiratory distress and other neurophysiology health risks. When the baby is born through C-section, it usually misses out on the normal labor process of passing through the birth canal. It is thought that, the contractions of a vaginal labor help to prepare the baby’s lungs for respiration at birth.

Some reports have suggested a link between cesarean birth and later development of asthma. Babies were more likely to have a certain kind of bacteria in their intestines if they were born by cesarean. Babies with these intestinal bacteria have a greater risk for developing allergies or asthma later on.

Effects on mother

The effects of caesarean are

- pain from the surgery

- complications such as developing a fever

- Reaction to medications,

- Infection - is one of the most common complications following a c-section, particularly infection of the bladder caused by use of a catheter for the operation.

Developing an infection may make it difficult for you to be with your baby right after birth. Holding, feeding, and soothing your baby may be more painful than you anticipated. Apart from this, maternal death following a c-section is increased by 4 times in emergency situations and 3 times in elective surgery. C-section recovery takes longer time than a normal vaginal delivery. The mother may have to stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 days depending on her condition. The surgical complications, infections, and pain after the procedure are some of the negatives of C-section.