Navigating the Rising Trend of Caesarean Deliveries during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bane for Motherhood

Abstract

Since the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus across the country, India is suffering the second highest number of death tolls in the world. Hospital beds, manpower and oxygen supplies are heavily demanded resulting in lack of resources. At such times of crisis, many of the government hospitals are unethically adopting a policy of unindicated caesarean sections as the preferred mode of delivery among COVID infected mothers. Due to the uncertainty in the duration of labor and the expected time of delivery, obstetricians are trying to avoid delivery at odd hours of the day. This new arena of myth needs to be debated and nipped at its bud. People need to be aware of the morbidities caused to them as a result of operative procedures. Risk of anesthetic complications, post-operative immobilization and prolonged hospital stays can never be avoided unless we continue to conduct unindicated caesarean deliveries. The short commentary puts forth this highly concerning situation in the domain of the wise obstetricians across India. It is high time to ponder upon and bring modifications in our obstetric practice.