Cesarean Awareness Month: Busting myths and misconceptions about C-section | Health

April is Cesarean Awareness Month, aimed at spreading awareness about the benefits and risks associated with Cesarean delivery. While C-Sections have become increasingly common, there are still several myths and misconceptions surrounding them. Understanding the facts about C-Sections can help expectant mothers make informed decisions and reduce unnecessary anxiety and fear about the birthing process. It is important to note that every birth is unique, and the decision to have a C-Section should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. This article aims to debunk some of the most common C-Section myths and provide accurate information about the procedure. (Also read: Yoga for post pregnancy: 7 exercises to strengthen core after C-section delivery )

C-Section myths and misconceptions:

Dr. Vanshika Gupta Adukia, pregnancy, childbirth and lactation specialist, pelvic floor physiotherapist and Founder of Therhappy, shared with HT Lifestyle, some of the most common myths and misconceptions about C-sections.

1. C-section is the easier way out and is often pushed upon the mother by the obstetrician for no particular reason. Possible reasons for a C-section could range from a malpresentation of the baby (breech, transverse etc) to a placenta previa (placenta covering the cervix). Often multiple gestations or tight cord loops around the baby’s neck could also result in the delivery being turned into a Caesarean Section. Emergency C- sections may be the need in the case if the labour fails to progress with the baby’s heart rate fluctuating or if there is undiagnosed cephalopelvic disproportion (baby’s head bigger than mother’s pelvis)

2. Once a C-section, is always a C-section. An initial C-section never guarantees a consequent C-section! A vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC) is possible, provided the previous C-section incision is a low transverse one with no other uterine scars. Additionally, a minimum gap of 18 months between both deliveries is recommended with no complications in the pregnancy that is being considered for a VBAC.

3. C-Section will not allow for breastfeeding. While the influence of anaesthesia can cause the milk let down to be slower post a C-section, the fact is that once the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, a sudden drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels cause a spike in prolactin levels, causing milk to be produced. It is therefore imperative to be patient, offer the breast to the baby at regular intervals to meet the breastfeeding principle of demand and supply and see the magic of your body naturally work.

4. Spinal Anaesthesia administered during a C-section causes back pain. It is popularly believed that the use of spinal anaesthesia during a C-section is a permanent reason for back pain in mothers for life. It is crucial to remember that the needle used to administer the anaesthesia is thin and the procedure is carried out by a skilled professional. Although back pain postpartum is common, the cause is poor postpartum posture, hormonal imbalance triggering ligament laxity and reduced mobility causing stiffness of the back.

5. Postpartum bleeding is lesser after a C-section. Postpartum bleeding after birth is from the site where the placenta was previously attached. This area is now a healing wound the size of a dinner plate that would need the same amount of time and process for recovery as a vaginal birth. Hence the bleeding from the uterine cavity would happen irrespective of the method of delivery.