C-Section

If you are looking for a trusted C-Section Doctor in Borivali, Dr. Deepika Doshi offers comprehensive maternity care, including antenatal check-ups, high-risk pregnancy management, planned and emergency Caesarean deliveries, labour monitoring, and postnatal care. Every pregnancy is carefully assessed, and the mode of delivery is recommended based on what is safest for both mother and baby. While normal delivery is always encouraged whenever medically possible, a Caesarean Section is advised only when it offers the best possible outcome.

What Is a Caesarean Section?

A Caesarean Section, commonly known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through carefully made incisions in the mother's abdomen and uterus. It is performed when a vaginal birth may pose risks to the mother, the baby, or both.

A C-section may be planned (elective) before labour begins or performed as an emergency procedure if complications develop during labour.

Modern Caesarean surgery is highly safe when performed by an experienced obstetrician. With improved surgical techniques, advanced anaesthesia, effective pain management, and careful post-operative care, most mothers recover well and are able to begin caring for and breastfeeding their babies soon after delivery.

As an experienced Obstetrician in Borivali, Dr. Deepika Doshi recommends a Caesarean Section only when there is a clear medical indication. Her priority is always to ensure a safe delivery while minimizing risks and helping mothers recover comfortably.

When Is a Caesarean Section Required?

Many expectant mothers ask whether they will need a C-section. In reality, every pregnancy is different, and the need for a Caesarean delivery depends on several medical factors.

A Caesarean Section may be recommended in the following situations:

• Labour does not progress despite strong contractions.
• The baby's heartbeat suggests fetal distress.
• The baby is in a breech (feet-first) position.
• The baby is lying sideways (transverse lie).
• The placenta completely or partially covers the cervix (placenta previa).
• The umbilical cord slips below the baby (cord prolapse).
• The baby is significantly larger than expected.
• Multiple pregnancy where vaginal delivery is unsafe.
• Certain maternal medical conditions such as severe pre-eclampsia or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Previous uterine surgery where vaginal delivery is not advisable.

The decision is always individualized after carefully evaluating the health of both the mother and the baby.

Planned (Elective) C-Section

A planned Caesarean Section is scheduled before labour starts because a vaginal delivery may not be safe.

Many mothers ask during their antenatal visits:

"Doctor, why are you recommending a planned Caesarean instead of waiting for labour?"

There are several medical reasons why a planned C-section may provide the safest outcome.

These include:

Previous Caesarean Deliveries

Women who have had multiple Caesarean deliveries may be advised to undergo another planned C-section depending on their previous surgeries and overall health.

Breech Baby

If the baby is positioned feet-first or bottom-first and cannot be safely turned, a planned Caesarean delivery is often recommended.

Placenta Previa

When the placenta covers the cervix, it blocks the baby's passage through the birth canal and may cause severe bleeding during labour. A planned Caesarean Section is usually the safest option.

Transverse Lie

If the baby is lying sideways inside the uterus, vaginal delivery is generally not possible, making Caesarean delivery necessary.

Twin Pregnancy

Certain twin pregnancies, particularly when the first baby is not positioned head-down, may require a planned Caesarean Section.

Your C-Section Doctor in Borivali will explain the reasons in detail so that you understand the benefits, possible risks, and expected recovery before making an informed decision.

Emergency Caesarean Section

Not every Caesarean delivery is planned.

Sometimes labour begins normally, but unexpected complications develop that require immediate surgical delivery.

An emergency Caesarean Section may become necessary if:

• Labour stops progressing.
• The baby's heartbeat becomes abnormal.
• The baby shows signs of oxygen deprivation.
• The umbilical cord prolapses after the water breaks.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding develops.
• The mother's blood pressure becomes dangerously high.
• The baby's head does not descend through the pelvis despite adequate pushing.

Although emergency surgery can feel overwhelming for families, it is performed to ensure the safest possible outcome for both mother and baby.

How Is a Caesarean Section Performed?

One of the most common concerns mothers have before surgery is understanding what actually happens during the procedure.

A Caesarean Section generally involves the following steps:

1. Admission to the hospital and pre-operative evaluation.
2. Administration of spinal or epidural anaesthesia so that the mother remains awake but comfortable.
3. Cleaning and preparation of the abdomen using sterile techniques.
4. A small horizontal incision is made in the lower abdomen.
5. A second incision is carefully made in the uterus.
6. The baby is gently delivered.
7. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut.
8. The placenta is removed.
9. The uterus and abdominal wall are carefully stitched layer by layer.

The baby's condition is assessed immediately after birth, and whenever possible, early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are encouraged.

Throughout the procedure, Dr. Deepika Doshi and the medical team continuously monitor both mother and baby to ensure the highest standards of safety and care.

Can You Have a Normal Delivery After One Caesarean Section?

One of the most common questions women ask after their first C-section is whether they can deliver normally in their next pregnancy. The answer is yes—for many women, Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) is possible. However, the decision depends on several factors including the reason for the previous C-section, the type of uterine incision, the mother's health, the baby's position, and whether the hospital is equipped to manage emergencies if they arise.

Women who had a single lower-segment Caesarean section with no major complications are often considered good candidates for VBAC. During pregnancy, your obstetrician will carefully evaluate your medical history and monitor both mother and baby. While VBAC offers benefits such as faster recovery, less blood loss, and a lower risk of infection, it is not suitable for everyone. If there are concerns about uterine rupture, placenta previa, multiple previous Caesarean sections, or other pregnancy complications, a planned repeat C-section may be the safest option.

At Dhanvantari Hospital, Borivali, every pregnancy is assessed individually. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, the medical team discusses the benefits and risks with each family so that an informed decision can be made based on the safest option for both mother and baby.

Preparing for a Planned Caesarean Section

If your doctor recommends a planned Caesarean section, proper preparation can help reduce anxiety and ensure a smoother experience. Most planned C-sections are scheduled after 39 weeks of pregnancy unless there is a medical reason to deliver earlier.

Before surgery, you may undergo:

• Blood tests and routine health evaluation
• Blood pressure and sugar level assessment
• Fetal monitoring to ensure the baby is healthy
• Consultation with the anaesthetist
• Review of current medications
• Instructions regarding fasting before surgery

It is also helpful to pack your hospital bag in advance with maternity clothes, baby essentials, important medical records, insurance documents, and personal hygiene items. Emotional preparation is equally important. Understanding the procedure beforehand often helps mothers feel more confident and relaxed.

What Happens During the C-Section Procedure?

On the day of surgery, you will be admitted to the hospital and prepared for the procedure. Most Caesarean sections are performed under spinal anaesthesia, allowing the mother to remain awake while ensuring complete pain relief below the waist.

The surgical process generally involves:

1. Administration of anaesthesia.
2. Cleaning and sterilizing the abdomen.
3. A small incision made in the lower abdomen.
4. Opening of the uterus.
5. Delivery of the baby.
6. Clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord.
7. Delivery of the placenta.
8. Closing the uterus and abdominal layers carefully with sutures.

The baby is usually delivered within the first few minutes, while the remaining time is spent carefully closing the surgical incision to promote proper healing.

Recovery After Caesarean Section

Recovery after a C-section takes longer than after a vaginal delivery because it involves healing from major abdominal surgery. Most women stay in the hospital for two to four days, depending on their recovery and overall health.

During recovery, mothers are encouraged to:

• Start gentle walking within 24 hours if advised by the doctor.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet.
• Take prescribed pain medications.
• Keep the surgical wound clean and dry.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects for several weeks.
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments.

Complete internal healing usually takes around six weeks, although many mothers gradually return to their normal routine before then.

Caring for Your C-Section Scar

Many mothers worry about their surgical scar. Fortunately, modern Caesarean sections usually leave a thin horizontal scar that gradually fades over time.

Proper scar care includes:

• Keeping the area clean and dry.
• Wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing.
• Avoiding unnecessary pressure on the wound.
• Watching for redness, swelling, discharge, or fever.
• Following your doctor's instructions regarding dressing changes.

If the scar becomes painful, swollen, or starts leaking fluid, immediate medical evaluation is recommended.

Breastfeeding After a Caesarean Section

Many women mistakenly believe that they cannot breastfeed after a C-section. In reality, most mothers can begin breastfeeding within the first hour or two after surgery once they are stable.

The nursing staff helps mothers find comfortable breastfeeding positions such as:

• Football hold
• Side-lying position
• Cross-cradle hold with pillow support

Early skin-to-skin contact encourages bonding and stimulates milk production. Even after surgery, successful breastfeeding is achievable with proper support and guidance.

Possible Risks and Complications of a C-Section

Although Caesarean section is considered a safe procedure, like any surgery it carries some risks.

Potential maternal risks include:

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Blood clots
• Injury to nearby organs (rare)
• Anaesthesia-related complications
• Delayed recovery

Possible risks for the baby include:

• Temporary breathing difficulties
• Minor accidental skin cuts (rare)
• Need for observation in the neonatal unit in some cases

These complications are relatively uncommon, especially when surgery is performed in a well-equipped hospital by experienced obstetricians.

Why Choose Dhanvantari Hospital for Caesarean Section in Borivali?

Choosing the right maternity hospital is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Dhanvantari Hospital, Borivali, provides comprehensive maternity care with a focus on maternal safety, newborn care, and personalized treatment.

Patients benefit from:

• Experienced obstetricians and gynaecologists
• Advanced operation theatres
• Safe anaesthesia services
• Continuous fetal monitoring
• Modern maternity facilities
• Neonatal care support
• Individualized pregnancy management
• Comprehensive postnatal care

The hospital's approach focuses on making childbirth as safe and comfortable as possible while supporting mothers throughout pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.