Capital sees sharp spike in C-sections

Caesarean section deliveries are rising sharply across Islamabad's major hospitals, prompting concern among gynaecologists, health researchers, and patients alike.

The surge has reignited debate surrounding medical necessity, maternal health complications, and allegations that financial incentives may, at times, influence clinical decisions.

Dr Urooj Yasir Khan, a gynaecologist at CDA Capital Hospital in Islamabad, noted that the rise in C-sections is not unique to Pakistan. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an ideal rate of 10–15 percent, yet many countries now report figures of 30–40 percent. She explained that multiple factors underpin this increase: advanced monitoring and early detection of risks, fear of normal childbirth among women, the requirement for repeat C-sections after a previous surgical birth, and, in some instances, commercial motives.

Dr Khan stressed that reducing unnecessary C-sections depends on educating women about natural delivery, offering pain management options such as epidurals, ensuring labour room staff provide active support, and involving families more closely.

She emphasised that natural delivery typically results in quicker recovery, less pain, and better outcomes for both mother and child. Surgical delivery, she reiterated, should only be undertaken when there is a genuine risk to either. "The ultimate goal must always be a safe mother and a safe baby," she said.

Obstetrician Dr Ayesha Nazir of Saeed International Hospital, G-11, Islamabad, pointed to additional medical and social factors specific to the capital. Women are increasingly experiencing their first pregnancy at an older age, while rising rates of diabetes and obesity, coupled with greater use of infertility treatments, have led to more multiple pregnancies such as twins and triplets—conditions that carry higher delivery risks. She added that some women request C-sections due to fear of labour pain or convenience, but medical teams must weigh such requests carefully against the clinical situation. Some patients, however, question the motivation behind surgical decisions. A woman admitted to an Islamabad hospital, Hania Yousaf, alleged that some C-sections are performed for financial gain, stating that "doctors do C-section for money."

Another family claimed that what they described as inattentive care during labour worsened the patient's condition, resulting in a high-risk C-section and leaving them feeling helpless. While unverified, such accounts reflect growing anxiety and mistrust among expectant mothers.

Medical experts warn that unnecessary Caesarean deliveries pose significant health risks. Women undergoing the procedure face an increased likelihood of placenta accreta, in which the placenta embeds too deeply into the uterine wall—potentially causing severe haemorrhaging, requiring blood transfusions and, in extreme cases, necessitating removal of the uterus. Previous C-sections also heighten the risk of placenta previa, surgical complications, prolonged recovery, chronic pelvic pain, infections and repeated surgical births.

For newborns, research indicates a higher risk of breathing difficulties at birth. Children delivered by C-section are also more prone to asthma, allergies, eczema and food sensitivities, and may have a greater risk of early childhood obesity. Pakistani studies further show that babies born to mothers with placenta accreta face increased chances of respiratory distress and developmental delays during infancy.

Consultant gynaecologist Dr Sidra Hassan called for strict adherence to evidence-based guidelines, warning that C-sections must never become a default or convenient option.

Dr Maria Usman added that many women request surgical delivery out of fear, often unaware of the long-term risks, and urged stronger antenatal counselling. Some clinicians also cited overcrowded labour rooms and pressures within private hospitals as indirect contributors to rising surgical intervention rates.

With C-section numbers continuing to climb in Islamabad, public health specialists are calling for urgent oversight. They emphasise the need for stricter monitoring, better patient education, and safeguarding the principle that Caesarean delivery should remain a medically justified choice—not one driven by convenience or financial considerations.