<p><strong>Caesarean Section on Maternal Request</strong></p><p>The rate of cesarean sections has significantly gone up in recent years globally, and Pakistan is no exception. What is not well understood that that often time the choice to do a C-section is not a medical one but a preference of the mother or the family.
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</p><p><strong>What is </strong><strong>a C</strong><strong>aesarean Section (</strong><strong>C</strong><strong>-section)</strong><span lang="en-PK" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><strong>,</strong></span><strong> and why do some women prefer it?</strong>
</p><p>A C-section is a commonly performed surgical procedure in pregnant women to deliver the baby via an incision through the abdomen instead of the standard vaginal delivery. C-section is the most frequently performed surgical procedure but may carry many complications depending on the condition and medical history of the patient.
</p><p>The preference for caesarean section is on the rise in Pakistan among many expecting mothers, not because of medical reasons but as a personnel preference. </p><p>Possible reasons for choosing a caesarean birth include:</p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Women may think it is the safer option</li><li>Anxiety relating to pain during labour</li><li>Concerns about the wellbeing of the baby</li><li>A traumatic experience of vaginal delivery in the past.
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</div><p><strong>Why is caesarean section not recommended for every woman?</strong></p><p>Most women with uncomplicated pregnancies will normally deliver vaginally, which is safer and is associated with quicker recovery. On the other hand, caesarean sections are associated with a longer recovery time.
</p><p><strong>What are the risks of caesarean section? </strong></p><p>Many women choose caesarean delivery to avoid uncertainties regarding natural pains and the process of labour. In most medical situations, caesarean section is considered very safe. However, it is still associated with a small risk of complications like wound infection, longer recovery time, bleeding during surgery, and rare complications like the formation of blood clots in the legs.
</p><p>There is also an increased chance of needing a caesarean section in future pregnancies.Some babies born via C-section can develop temporary breathing difficulty, resulting in admission to the children's nursery at the hospital.
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</strong></p><p><strong>What are the benefits of vaginal delivery?</strong>
</p><p>Most pregnant women who have uncomplicated pregnancies will be able to achieve a safe vaginal birth. It enables the immediate bonding of the mother with her baby. It may be a long and challenging process<span lang="en-PK" style="text-decoration: underline;">,</span> but different pain relief modalities can made available to make the pain more bearable. The recovery time after vaginal birth is shorter and mothers can resume their routine activities quickly. Future pregnancies will have more temporary labour and higher chances of having a subsequent vaginal delivery. However, there are chances of few complications during vaginal deliveries<span lang="en-PK" style="text-decoration: underline;">,</span> and a discussion with your doctor during your antenatal visits can resolve all concerns.
</p><p><strong>Choosing a birth plan.</strong></p><p>The couple should ask their Obstetrician about any concerns they have regarding the mode of delivery during their antenatal visits and make an informed decision to make childbirth an easy and memorable experience for the family.
</p><p><strong>Reference: </strong><a href="https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/choosing-to-have-a-caesarean-section/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/choosing-to-have-a-caesarean-section/</a>
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