Safe, medically indicated caesarean delivery. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy — MBBS, DGO — supports normal delivery when safe and performs C-section only when clinically necessary. Boduppal, Hyderabad.
MBBS, DGO, Diploma in ART – Germany | 19+ Years Experience | TGMC Reg: 50624
3,000+ Safe Deliveries | Normal & Caesarean Delivery | Boduppal, Hyderabad
A caesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through incisions made in the mother's abdomen and uterus, rather than through the birth canal. It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in obstetrics and, when medically indicated, is a safe and life-saving intervention for both mother and baby.
C-sections are not inherently better or worse than vaginal delivery — they are a different mode of delivery, each with its own indications, risks, and recovery profile. The right choice is the one that is safest for mother and baby in their specific clinical situation.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy is a strong advocate for normal (vaginal) delivery — she supports natural birth when it is safe and does not perform C-sections on demand or for convenience. When a C-section is medically indicated, however, she acts decisively and explains the clinical reasoning fully to the patient and family before proceeding. Every delivery decision at Mother Hospitals is evidence-based, patient-centred, and made with full informed consent.
| Factor | Normal Delivery | C-Section |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital stay | 1–2 days | 3–4 days |
| Full recovery | 1–2 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| Surgical incision | No | Abdomen & uterus |
| Future pregnancies | No scar restriction | Uterine scar factor |
| Baby benefits | Microbiome, lung squeeze | Immediate when needed |
At Mother Hospitals, a C-section is performed only when clinically indicated — never for convenience or on maternal request alone
When the placenta lies low in the uterus and fully or partially covers the cervix, vaginal delivery is not possible. A planned C-section is scheduled from 36–38 weeks. This is an absolute indication — there is no safe alternative.
If the baby is bottom-first (breech) or lying sideways (transverse) at term and cannot be turned by external cephalic version (ECV), a C-section is recommended. Vaginal breech delivery is rarely practiced in modern obstetrics due to safety concerns.
Abnormal patterns in the fetal heart rate during labour indicate the baby is not tolerating labour well — typically due to reduced oxygen supply. If the situation cannot be corrected quickly, an emergency C-section is performed to deliver the baby before harm occurs.
A previous classical (vertical) C-section scar, previous uterine rupture, or certain uterine surgeries (such as myomectomy involving the uterine cavity) may make vaginal delivery unsafe. A previous lower-segment C-section does not automatically require repeat C-section — VBAC counselling is offered.
When labour fails to progress despite adequate contractions and oxytocin augmentation — the baby is not descending despite full dilation — a C-section prevents harm from prolonged obstructed labour to both mother and baby.
Twin delivery decisions are made case by case — depending on the presentation of each twin. If the first twin is breech, or if there are other complications, a C-section may be recommended. Dichorionic-diamniotic twins with both in cephalic position may deliver vaginally in experienced centres.
A planned C-section is scheduled in advance because a medical reason is identified before labour begins. Examples include complete placenta praevia, persistent breech position at term, a previous classical C-section scar, or certain maternal medical conditions. Planned C-sections are usually performed between 38 and 39 weeks to allow adequate fetal lung maturity. There is time for full pre-operative assessment, discussion, and preparation. The atmosphere is calm and controlled.
An emergency C-section is performed when a complication arises during labour requiring immediate delivery to protect the mother or baby. Examples include acute fetal distress, cord prolapse, placental abruption, uterine rupture, or severe maternal bleeding. Emergency C-sections are categorised by urgency — from "immediate threat to life" (Category 1, performed within 30 minutes) to "needing early delivery but no immediate threat" (Category 2 or 3). The team is always prepared and rehearsed for rapid response.
Pre-operative blood tests are reviewed. You will fast for 6–8 hours before a planned C-section. An intravenous (IV) line is placed. A urinary catheter is inserted (under anaesthesia so it is painless). The lower abdomen is cleaned and prepared. You are taken to the operating theatre with your birth partner if you choose.
Most C-sections are performed under spinal anaesthesia — a single injection into the lower back that numbs the body from the chest downwards. You remain fully awake and alert. You will feel pressure and movement but no pain. A screen is placed at chest level so you do not see the surgical field. You can hold your birth partner's hand throughout.
The surgeon makes a horizontal incision just above the pubic hair line (pfannenstiel incision), then a second incision in the lower segment of the uterus. The baby is delivered, usually within 10–15 minutes of the start of surgery. The cord is cut and the baby is assessed by the neonatologist. If mother and baby are both well, immediate skin-to-skin contact can begin on the operating table.
The placenta is delivered, the uterus is sutured in layers, and the abdominal wall is closed. The total procedure from start to finish takes approximately 45–60 minutes. Dissolvable sutures are used — most do not need removal. A sterile dressing is applied to the wound.
You are moved to a recovery area for 1–2 hours while the spinal anaesthesia wears off. Observations are monitored closely. Pain relief is administered. Breastfeeding can begin in the recovery room if you and your baby are ready. Once stable, you are moved to the postnatal ward.
Having had one C-section does not mean you must always have a C-section. VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) is a genuine option for many women in a subsequent pregnancy, provided there are no other contraindications.
The main concern with VBAC is uterine scar rupture during labour — a rare but serious complication occurring in approximately 0.5–1% of suitable VBAC candidates. This risk is lower in women with a lower-segment transverse uterine scar (the most common type), normal baby size, and no other complications.
Misinformation about C-sections is widespread. Here is what the evidence actually says.
FALSE. Bonding is not determined by mode of delivery. It is shaped by skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, holding, and the emotional relationship that develops over time. Skin-to-skin contact can begin in the operating theatre itself after a planned C-section. Breastfeeding after C-section is entirely possible and encouraged from the first hour.
NOT ALWAYS. This was the prevailing thinking decades ago when the classical (vertical) uterine incision was used, which carries a high rupture risk. With the modern lower-segment transverse incision, VBAC is a safe and appropriate option for many women. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy offers individualised VBAC counselling for all eligible candidates.
FALSE. A C-section is major abdominal surgery with its own significant risks: anaesthesia complications, surgical bleeding, wound infection, blood clots, adhesions, and a longer, more painful recovery. There is no labour pain, but there is significant post-operative pain for days to weeks, and full internal healing takes 6–8 weeks. It is a different experience from normal delivery — not an easier one.
FALSE. Babies born vaginally receive important benefits including exposure to beneficial bacteria in the birth canal (microbiome seeding), compression of the chest that clears fluid from the lungs, and hormonal surges that support the transition to breathing. C-section babies have slightly higher rates of respiratory distress at birth and are not better protected from perinatal problems — C-section is indicated when vaginal birth itself poses greater risk, not as a default protective choice.
A caesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. It is used when vaginal delivery would pose an unacceptable risk to the mother or baby — either because of a condition identified before labour (planned C-section) or a complication arising during labour (emergency C-section). At Mother Hospitals, C-sections are performed only on clear clinical grounds with full patient discussion and informed consent.
Common medical indications include: placenta praevia (placenta blocking the cervix), baby in breech or transverse position that cannot be corrected, fetal distress during labour, failure of labour to progress, cord prolapse, severe preeclampsia requiring immediate delivery, previous classical uterine scar, certain twin presentations, and specific maternal medical conditions. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy never performs a C-section for convenience or patient preference alone — only when the clinical situation genuinely requires it.
A planned (elective) C-section is scheduled in advance, usually between 38 and 39 weeks, because a medical reason is identified before labour — such as placenta praevia, persistent breech, or a high-risk uterine scar. An emergency C-section is performed when a complication arises during labour requiring immediate delivery — such as acute fetal distress, cord prolapse, or severe haemorrhage. Planned C-sections are calm and well-prepared; emergency ones are swift and decisive. Both are performed safely at Mother Hospitals.
You receive spinal anaesthesia (a lower back injection that numbs from chest downwards) — you remain awake but feel no pain. A screen is placed at chest level. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision just above the pubic line, then a second incision in the lower uterus. The baby is delivered within 10–15 minutes. The cord is cut, placenta delivered, and the uterus and abdomen closed in layers. Total time is approximately 45–60 minutes. Your birth partner can be present throughout a planned C-section.
Hospital stay is typically 3–4 days. At home: avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks, do not drive for 6 weeks, and avoid strenuous exercise for 6–8 weeks. Pain is managed with regular oral analgesia and should be well controlled. The wound usually heals externally within 6 weeks. Full internal recovery of the uterine scar takes longer. A 6-week postnatal check assesses wound healing, emotional wellbeing, and plans for contraception and future pregnancies.
Yes, in many cases. VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) is appropriate for women with one previous lower-segment C-section scar, no other contraindications, a normally positioned baby, and no current indication for C-section. The main risk is uterine scar rupture during labour (~0.5–1% in suitable candidates). Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy provides detailed individual VBAC counselling covering your personal success probability, monitoring during VBAC labour, and what happens if labour stalls. The decision is always made together with full information.
No. Bonding is not determined by mode of delivery. In a stable planned C-section, skin-to-skin contact can begin on the operating table immediately after delivery. Breastfeeding is entirely possible and encouraged after C-section. The mother-baby bond is built over days, weeks, and months of caregiving — it is not set in the first minutes of birth. Many mothers who have had C-sections report exactly the same depth of bonding as those who delivered vaginally.
No. A C-section is major abdominal surgery with its own risk profile: anaesthesia complications, surgical bleeding, wound infection, blood clots, adhesion formation, and increased risk of complications in future pregnancies (placenta praevia, accreta). Recovery is longer and more physically demanding than after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. It is not "easier" — it is simply the appropriate choice when vaginal delivery poses greater risk. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy recommends C-section only when the clinical evidence clearly indicates it is the safer option.
3,000+ safe deliveries. A specialist who decides with clinical evidence and patient consent — not convenience. Expert VBAC counselling. Boduppal, Hyderabad.
Boduppal: Mon–Sun · 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Choutuppal: Tue–Sun · 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624 · Boduppal, Hyderabad