Caesarean Awareness month: 'A C-section is not an easy way out'

Depending on where in the world you live and the type of healthcare available a caesarean section is a common, but still major, surgical procedure. 

However, despite the frequency with which they are performed, there are still several myths and misconceptions surrounding them. 

April is Caesarean Awareness month, a month aimed at raising awareness on C-section delivery

Understanding the facts about C-Sections can help expectant mothers make informed decisions and reduce unnecessary anxiety and fear about the birthing process. 

In many cases, women who have had caesarian birth, particularly an elective C-section, are dubbed 'too posh to push'.

But obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Saleema Nosarka Parker says a C-section is not an easy way out. 

"A C-section does have risks. It is abdominal surgery as you're going into the abdomen. If you've had previous surgery, there could be adhesions. If you have vaginal delivery you can walk around immediately, but with a C-section, there could be pain afterwards. It takes up to to 4-6 weeks before you can drive again so the healing process takes longer."
-Dr Saleema Nosarka Parker, obstetrician and gynaecologist 

However, anxiety around vaginal delivery is also common amongst women. 

"Women are scared about the baby's head being too big, or getting stuck or even vaginal tearing. If you've had lots of vaginal deliveries, some are scared the organs will prolapse and you may get problems in your menopause years with inconsistence." 
-Dr Saleema Nosarka Parker, obstetrician and gynaecologist 

Another common myth is that once you have a C-section, you will never be able to deliver a vaginal birth. 

"If you had a big baby or the baby was lying in the breach position, that is an indication for a C-section. But with your second pregnancy, the baby is small and mom wants to have a normal delivery, then you can proceed. However, within labour you have to be monitored very closely to ensure you progress well as there's a small risk of uterine rupture. Also if you've had two C-sections, we don't want you to have vaginal delivery after that so then you'd have an elective third C-section."
-Dr Saleema Nosarka Parker, obstetrician and gynaecologist 

Another issue with C-section delivery is the massive cost, particularly in the private sector.

It's often said that doctors get paid more for a C-section. 

"It's the operating costs that are higher. It's the anesthetist and the theatre time. But the gynae doesn't get much more unless it's an emergency birth because this is not planned. If it's an emergency, you have to call everyone out so that creates extra costs."

Scroll up to listen to more on this topic.