A c-section is usually recommended when there is a problem with either the baby's development or the mother's health. For instance, if:

• You have problems with your placenta… if the placenta covers the opening of your cervix, known as placenta previa, or if the placenta detaches itself from the uterus, known as placental abruption.
• You have a breech baby.
• Your baby is lying horizontally across the uterus.
• Your labour isn't progressing or there are no labour pains at all.
• You are carrying multiple babies. " Your baby's heart beat is abnormal or the baby shows stress.
• Your baby is large. Some babies can be too big to be delivered vaginally.
• You have had a previous c-section with a vertical scar on the uterus that poses a danger of uterine rupture with a labour.
• Your baby has developmental problems, like retarded growth.
• You have health problems like hypertension, diabetes, heart or lung disease, AIDS, etc.

Risks During Surgery

If the surgery is not handled carefully, there are chances of the baby getting hurt or cut. However, this is very rare.

For the mother, there is a chance of increased bleeding during surgery. It is very rare, but the surgery can be fatal for the mother as well.

Post-Surgical Complications

Post surgery, you can develop an infection in the incision, uterus or in other nearby organs.

The painkillers and the anaesthesia administered during surgery can cause side-effects like nausea and dizziness.

If administered incorrectly, some of the anaesthetic drugs could harm the baby and make him sluggish or inactive. An overdose can also cause mental retardation.

The baby could also develop breathing problems.

Precautions Post Surgery

For the first 48 hours post-surgery; both mother and child are kept in observation.

Since the incision is fresh and will take time to heal, you will be advised only semi-solid food.

Do not bend or scratch the stitches. Keep the area clean and change the incision dressing once in every four days.

You can take regular baths without any fear of affecting the wound, since there are waterproof dressings available.

There are no specific precautions while caring for the baby. If your child develops any complications during surgery, you will be advised appropriately by your gynaecologist.

Some Common Misconceptions About C-sections

"Once a c-section, always a c-section."

This is not true. If you underwent a c-section in any of your previous pregnancies, it is not necessary that the next pregnancy will also end in c-section. It will depend upon the nature and position of the incision from the previous surgery.

If there are no indications of complications, you can deliver naturally.

"C-section is better than vaginal delivery."

A c-section is always considered a secondary option to a natural delivery. It is recommended only in emergency cases.

Going for an elective c-section (a planned c-section, where the due date is identified and the baby is delivered through surgery) therefore is not a good option.

"C-section is Pain Free."

You may not feel the pain during the surgery. However, post operation the pain is immense and can last for a few days.

One has to remember that a c-section is not a painless alternative to vaginal delivery. It is a major surgical procedure with its associated risks and complications.

Prepare Yourself

If there are any concerns during your pregnancy that indicates a c-section, speak with your gynaecologist. Be sure to understand all the risks and benefits associated with it.

Involve your family. Educate them about the surgery and the post operation precautions. Their support is crucial.

(With inputs from Dr. Suchitra Pandit, Consulting Gynaecologist, Sion & Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai)