Understanding Induced labour and Caesarean sections

Normal delivery is a rare event these days. C-sections and induction of labour have become all too common. So, what are they and why are they done? Are they really indicated? In this post, we aim to e

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: February 5, 2015 4:21 pm

Normal delivery is a rare event these days. C-sections and induction of labour have become all too common. So, what are they and why are they done? Are they really indicated? In this post, we aim to explain some of the facts related to the procedures so that you can take an informed decision when you need to. Also Read - Avoid sexual dysfunction: Having multiple partners may actually be good for you

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Sometimes, the labour does not start spontaneously even when the woman is past her due date. The obstetrician may suggest induction of labour in such cases, especially if the pregnant woman is diabetic or hypertensive or when the baby isn’t growing as expected. There are times when waters are broken but labour isn’t initiated. In such cases, there is risk of infection to the baby and labour may need to be induced.

There are times when the expected time of delivery is at night and there is a dearth of hospital staff. The mother and the baby might get better attention if labour is induced during daytime.

Though there are many ways labour can be induced (sweeping or artificial rupture of membranes), application of prostaglandin is the most commonly used method. It acts by inducing uterine contractions and by ‘ripening’ the cervix and preparing it for labour. IV drips of Syntocinon are also used in some cases.

Caesarean section (C-section):

Doctors usually recommend C-section is cases where the baby cannot be delivered through a normal vaginal delivery. This can happen in cases when the woman has twins (or triplets etc), a breach delivery is expected (baby is descending legs first instead of the head), the baby is large, there is some problem associated with the uterus or a placenta previa is detected (the placenta is low and covers the cervix). Sometimes, during normal labour, the doctor might make the decision to proceed with a caesarean section too.

If there have been multiple deliveries by C-section, it is highly likely that it may be the choice during subsequent deliveries too. However, if there has been a single delivery by a C-section with a horizontal incision, normal vaginal delivery is a possibility.

Since the babies are getting bigger with every generation and the pelvis of the women aren’t growing proportionately, doctors advise adolescent girls to get adequate exercise and squat more often. This helps their pelvis to grow and might help avoid C-sections later on in life.

The C-section is performed under the effect of an epidural or spinal anaesthesia so that you are numb from the waist down. A horizontal skin incision is made just above your ‘bikini line’ and the abdominal muscles are separated. Usually, a horizontal incision is made in the lower part of the uterus though there may be cases when a vertical incision may be required. The baby is then delivered out of your uterus and the cord is cut. The uterine incision is closed with sutures (stitches) of resorbable material. The skin sutures will have to be removed after three to seven days. Antibiotics may be administered during the procedure through an IV line.

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There are women, especially in the metros, who opt for elective C-surgeries these days since they deem it ‘painless’ and convenient. However, it is the doctors’ duty to educate them about the pros and cons of the procedure and help them avoid unnecessary surgery.

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