Pimpri-Chinchwad: City is witnessing a troubling rise in caesarean deliveries, with private hospitals reporting over 50% of births being surgical. While caesarean sections are sometimes necessary for the safety of both mother and child, health experts are concerned that the growing preference for C-sections is largely driven by convenience, fear of labour pain, and even superstition, putting women’s health at risk and adding unnecessary financial burdens.
Private hospitals, particularly in areas like Nigdi, Pimple Saudagar, Wakad, and Chikhli, are increasingly opting for C-sections, with some doctors admitting that economic factors play a role in promoting surgery over natural delivery. While some deliveries require surgery, a significant number of women are reportedly choosing C-sections to avoid labour pain or to deliver on an “auspicious” date. Critics argue that this trend is fueled by hospitals that profit from these procedures.
Experts highlight that natural births offer faster recovery, fewer complications, and are less disruptive to the body’s rhythm. On the other hand, C-sections often result in longer recovery periods and increased risks for future pregnancies.
Despite having access to delivery data from private hospitals, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has faced criticism for not investigating the rise in C-sections. Dr. Laxman Gophane, PCMC’s Medical Officer, acknowledged the increase but mentioned that disclosing the number of surgeries per hospital would breach confidentiality, adding that the PCMC has no control over private hospitals’ charges.
The financial implications of C-sections are significant, with costs ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh, and even higher if the newborn is transferred to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). In contrast, government hospitals offer maternity services at much lower costs, but many women opt for private hospitals due to overcrowding and limited facilities in government-run centers.
Social media and cultural practices, including scheduling deliveries based on “lucky” astrological dates, have also contributed to the shift towards medicalised births. Health experts caution that this trend is leading to over-medicalisation of childbirth and urge families and healthcare providers to restore faith in natural delivery methods.
The growing trend of C-sections in Pimpri-Chinchwad underscores the need for ethical medical practices and more informed choices for expecting mothers.
