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Caesarean Section on Maternal Request 

Karachi, September 07, 2021 (PPI-OT):The rate of cesarean sections has significantly gone up in recent years globally, and Pakistan is no exception. What is not well understood that that often time the choice to do a C-section is not a medical one but a preference of the mother or the family.

What is a Caesarean Section (C-section), and why do some women prefer it?

A C-section is a commonly performed surgical procedure in pregnant women to deliver the baby via an incision through the abdomen instead of the standard vaginal delivery. C-section is the most frequently performed surgical procedure but may carry many complications depending on the condition and medical history of the patient.

The preference for caesarean section is on the rise in Pakistan among many expecting mothers, not because of medical reasons but as a personnel preference.

Possible reasons for choosing a caesarean birth include:

Women may think it is the safer option

Anxiety relating to pain during labour

Concerns about the wellbeing of the baby

A traumatic experience of vaginal delivery in the past.

Why is caesarean section not recommended for every woman?

Most women with uncomplicated pregnancies will normally deliver vaginally, which is safer and is associated with quicker recovery. On the other hand, caesarean sections are associated with a longer recovery time.

What are the risks of caesarean section?

Many women choose caesarean delivery to avoid uncertainties regarding natural pains and the process of labour. In most medical situations, caesarean section is considered very safe. However, it is still associated with a small risk of complications like wound infection, longer recovery time, bleeding during surgery, and rare complications like the formation of blood clots in the legs.​

There is also an increased chance of needing a caesarean section in future pregnancies. Some babies born via C-section can develop temporary breathing difficulty, resulting in admission to the children’s nursery at the hospital.​​

What are the benefits of vaginal delivery?

Most pregnant women who have uncomplicated pregnancies will be able to achieve a safe vaginal birth. It enables the immediate bonding of the mother with her baby. It may be a long and challenging process, but different pain relief modalities can made available to make the pain more bearable. The recovery time after vaginal birth is shorter and mothers can resume their routine activities quickly.

Future pregnancies will have more temporary labour and higher chances of having a subsequent vaginal delivery. However, there are chances of few complications during vaginal deliveries, and a discussion with your doctor during your antenatal visits can resolve all concerns.​

Choosing a birth plan.

The couple should ask their Obstetrician about any concerns they have regarding the mode of delivery during their antenatal visits and make an informed decision to make childbirth an easy and memorable experience for the family.

Reference: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/choosing-to-have-a-caesarean-section/​

For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

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Jaundice in New-born Babies 

Karachi, July 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):What is Neonatal Jaundice?

Neonatal Jaundice is a yellow discolouration of the skin and whites of the eyes. It is common in new-borns, and most recover from it in one to two weeks (three weeks for preterm babies). The consequences depend on the severity of the bilirubin level in the body. Mild Jaundice usually doesn’t lead to any further health issues. However, severe Jaundice can be alarming and can cause other health problems if not treated on time.

What causes Jaundice in a new-born baby?

The excess of a substance in the blood called bilirubin causes Neonatal Jaundice. Bilirubin is a yellow substance made from the breakdown of red blood cells, which is removed from the body by the liver. In new-borns with a high number of red blood cells, the cells break down more quickly. Their liver is not ready to clear the extra bilirubin efficiently from the body, resulting in high levels of build-up.

Babies can be at a higher risk of Jaundice and will need treatment if they:

Are born prematurely

Not taking enough feed

Has a sibling who has had jaundice

Have a different blood group than mother

Become bruised during their birth

Have any infection

Does Jaundice harm your baby?

Like any other disease, Jaundice can also be harmful if not treated on time. Most of the time, in new-borns mild jaundice goes away with simple remedies like sunbath at dawn and frequent breastfeeding. In extreme cases, when the bilirubin level crosses 15 mg per dl in blood, it can lead to brain damage and other health complications. In this case, immediate medical intervention is needed.​

How is Jaundice treated?

Parents of all jaundiced babies must consult a doctor who can ascertain the need for any treatment. Mild Jaundice usually goes away by itself in a few days. Frequent feeding (at least every 2 to 3 hours) is vital as it helps pass the bilirubin in the stool and urine.

Phototherapy is the most common treatment for Jaundice in babies to decrease the level of bilirubin to a safe range. In rate cases, extremely high levels of bilirubin may require an exchange of blood. Always seek help from a qualified healthcare provider if the baby is jaundiced to devise the right treatment plan for early recovery.

For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/