C-Section Surge: Nearly 40% of City Births Are Surgical

The sixth National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2023-24 reveals that nearly two out of every five deliveries in the city were performed through caesarean sections. This surgical procedure, crucial for high-risk pregnancies, now accounts for 36.1% of all births, a rise of nearly 5% since 2019-20.

Private hospitals have seen a dramatic increase in C-section rates, climbing from 44.3% in 2019-20 to 65% in the latest survey. Government hospitals also recorded a slight rise, from 30.4% to 32.3%. Nationally, the trend also shows an upward climb, with the city's rate surpassing the national average of 27.2%.

Experts cite Chandigarh's role as a referral center for complicated cases from surrounding northern states as a primary driver. Additionally, lifestyle changes, delayed conceptions, obesity, and an increase in conditions like diabetes and hypertension contribute to higher-risk pregnancies. Pregnancies resulting from assisted reproductive techniques also correlate with increased C-section rates.

Despite the rising numbers, medical professionals caution against unnecessary C-sections, emphasizing they are major surgeries with risks. They should only be performed when medically indicated, as they do not necessarily improve outcomes in uncomplicated pregnancies. The city ranks fourth among Union Territories for surgical births.