Kolkata: Caesarean birth is a surgical procedure during pregnancy when vaginal delivery is not safe, according to Dr. Souren Bhattacharya, consultant, and centre head, Kolkata Birla Fertility & IVF centre, Kolkata
Giving birth by cesarean section brings with it a distinct set of experiences and challenges. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a complex medical procedure used to improve fertility, prevent genetic problems, and aid in childbirth. It is the preferred treatment for many people from the start. Many patients who would otherwise be unable to conceive benefit from IVF, he said.
Dr Bhattacharya said IVF pregnancy is no different than a natural pregnancy. Women who become pregnant through IVF can also give birth usually. It is one of the most effective fertility treatments because of its highest success rate of any fertility procedure. Consulted doctors always help their patients with more information about the treatment options based on the patient’s health condition.
The need for a Caesarean section may arise due to pregnancy complications that can occur even with natural conception, not exclusively because of IVF. High-risk pregnancies necessitate C-section deliveries due to factors such as the baby’s position, pregnancy with twins, preterm birth, and so on, he said.
According to an Ernst and Young report, over 2.5 million cycles are being performed globally each year, whereas only 2-2.5 lakh IVF cycles are performed in India each year. One of the primary drivers of this growth is the increasing success rate of IVF. Based on the factors mentioned above, the success rate of IVF in India ranges between 30 to 35 percent, as calculated by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
In India, the IVF success rate for younger women is more than 75%. Women younger than 35 have a greater chance of success than the rest. Due to IVF, now women over the age of 40 can also expect to conceive and enjoy motherhood even if they are close to entering their phase of menopause.
Dr Bhattacharjee said, “The main distinction between a normal pregnancy and an IVF pregnancy is one of awareness. IVF is one of the most effective variants of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Because of the much greater investment of time and money in achieving pregnancy, women with IVF pregnancies and their doctors choose cesarean delivery. It is possible that doctors feel more at ease ensuring the best possible outcome by recommending elective caesarean delivery or electing to proceed with cesarean delivery at the first sign of any problem during labour.”
“It is medically proven that cesarean section rates are comparatively higher in ART pregnancies like IVF than in normal pregnancies. Advanced maternal age and previous uterine surgery are the major risk factors for caesarean delivery in all infertile women, but especially in those who conceive after in vitro fertilization. Hence, women who become pregnant through IVF can also have a normal delivery without a C-section. However, regardless of how one gets conceived, it is critical to select an experienced doctor with a high success rate,” he said.
Bhattacharya said, “Doctors advise patients with IVF pregnancies to have a C-section only in special cases like when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or any severe heart problem. When a pregnant woman is in labor for more than 20 hours, this is referred to as prolonged labor. A C-section is recommended to avoid complications, whether from IVF or normal pregnancy.”
“Some beneficial tips to increase the chances of a safe delivery for all IVF pregnant women are to maintain a healthy diet daily, completely reduction of stress and anxiety, smoking and drinking habit are to be stopped, daily practice yoga and meditation in the morning, and choose to stay in a happy and peaceful environment,” he added.
