Why women opt for C-sections

Thirty-three-year-old Nidhi Chopra, a bank executive, had her first child by Cesarean section because of complications during pregnancy. But despite a normal pregnancy she chose to deliver her second child also by C-section.

And that after she was informed about the risks involved.

“The first baby was just like a cakewalk. I was running around on the second day itself. Also when I heard about the pain that a woman undergoes during labour, I opted for a C-sec for the second one as well. I did not have any problems with first C-sec as well,” says Nidhi.

More and more women are now opting for cesarean deliveries. It is estimated that C-section rate is almost as high as 65 per cent in the some of the private hospitals in Delhi. Gynecologists claim that on an average, they get almost 30 to 40 per cent cases where women opt for cesarean deliveries.

But according to WHO, C-section births should be restricted between 15 and 20 per cent. The risks that our involved with C-sec births are breastfeeding problems, urinary wounds and uterine infections, hemorrhage, clotting disorders, bowel obstruction, chronic pelvic pain and premature separation of the placenta in a subsequent pregnancy.

Apart from these reasons, sedentary lifestyle and work-related stress can also lead to complications during labour hence the rising number of cesareans.

Every woman has a right to choose between a C-sec and a normal delivery. But you also have a right to be well informed about the decision you make.

Vibha Sachdeva