C-sections double in 10 years

CAUSE FOR CONCERN?

MUMBAI: In just a decade, the number of women who opted for a Caesarian section (C-section) more than doubled across India, especially in the cities, according to a new study that attributes the rise to reasons such as fear of pain and complications among mothers, and a rise in maternal age.

Nearly 17% women in 20152016 underwent a C-section, compared to the 9% in 2005-06, the study by Mumbai-based International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS) found. This rise includes both first-time mothers and those opting for a C-section for subsequent deliveries. The researchers used data from the National Family Health Survey. While the rise in C-section deliveries is a global trend, what is concerning, according to experts, is how women were opting for it even when there is no medical need to undergo the procedure.

Across the world, C-sections are associated with higher rates While the rise in C-section deliveries is a global trend, what is concerning is women opting for it even when there is no medical need. The WHO says C-section rates in any population should ideally not exceed 15%.

of maternal morbidities such as obesity, and complications in subsequent pregnancies. In fact, the World Health Organization says C-section rates in any population should ideally not exceed 15%. “When we looked at the demographics of the women who chose the C-section, we found the rates had risen across states, among the poor and rich, educated and illiterate alike,” said Sanjay Mohanty, professor at IIPS and the author of the study.

“The fear of pain, increase in the number of older mothers, which is known to increase com- plications, may also be reasons,” said Mohanty, adding there were also those cases where mothers wanted to have the baby at an “auspicious day and time”.

Senior doctors said women were not the only ones asking for the procedure, and many doctors themselves suggested it fearing litigation if the delivery fails.

Dr Nozer Sheriar, an obstetrician in Mumbai, said doctors often suggest C-section as they are worried of the consequences if something goes wrong. “There is least acceptance among people if things don’t go as expected in obstetrics, when compared to any other speciality,” Dr Sheriar said.

Senior doctors said C-section deliveries need to be done judiciously as it poses risks associated with anaesthesia and surgery-related infections, as with any other procedure. “Women often request for a C-section as it usually has a shorter admission time compared to normal deliveries...,” said Dr Ashok Anand, head of the gynaecology department at Sir JJ Hospital.