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Across urban hospitals and rural clinics alike, the myth of the “ideal birth” still dominates. You’re expected to give birth naturally, gracefully, without complaint. But what if your cervix isn’t dilating? What if your baby’s heart rate is dropping? And what if your body is simply not responding the way they expect?
Let’s talk about the pressure no one admits, because ignoring it can have real consequences.
What Does “Normal Delivery” Really Mean in India?
Vaginal birth is often treated as a badge of honour: Many families still call it “normal delivery,” reinforcing the idea that anything else is abnormal. This term quietly feeds into guilt, shame, and a false binary between natural and unnatural.Hospital systems often support the bias: Even well-equipped hospitals may initially push for vaginal delivery to avoid being seen as “C-section friendly.” It affects how early decisions are made and how long interventions like induction or pushing are prolonged.
Cultural expectations complicate consent: You may be told to “be brave,” “bear the pain,” or “not let the doctor operate on you”, even when surgery is the safer option. Partners or elders may try to delay the decision, despite rising foetal or maternal risks.
Why This Pressure Is Dangerous
These challenges carry clinical risk. When vaginal delivery is prioritised at all costs, here’s what can happen:- Foetal distress is overlooked or minimised: A drop in heart rate, meconium in the amniotic fluid, or abnormal positioning may not be acted on promptly.
- Labour is prolonged beyond safety: Extended labour increases the risk of infection, uterine rupture, or neonatal complications, especially if induction drugs are used aggressively.
- Emotional trauma goes unrecognised: Women may feel they “failed” if they consent to a C-section, leading to birth trauma or postnatal depression.
- Delayed C-section becomes riskier: An emergency surgery after hours of failed labour is more taxing on the body than a planned one.
- Misuse of vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC): Pressure to “prove” strength can lead to unsafe VBACs without adequate monitoring, increasing the risk of uterine rupture.
Why Families and Even Doctors Push It
Vaginal birth is often seen as a rite of passage or test of womanhood, especially among older generations. Here are some reasons why families and doctors push for a vaginal birth:- Mistrust of medical systems: Some believe C-sections are pushed unnecessarily for profit. While this is valid in over-medicalised settings, it often leads to the opposite problem, dangerous delay.
- Social storytelling: You’ll hear tales of women who gave birth without epidurals, who “breathed the baby out” at home. These stories are meant to inspire, but often shame those with different paths.
- Hospital policy or resource limitations: In public hospitals, C-sections may be harder to schedule or staff. In private ones, standardised VBAC protocols may be absent, leading to inconsistent advice.
- Fear of judgement: Some partners and mothers don’t want to explain to relatives why a surgery “had” to happen, so they push for vaginal delivery even when unsafe.
When a Caesarean Is the Safer Option
Here are the medical red flags that often justify a C-section, no matter what family or tradition says:- Placenta previa or placental abruption: Vaginal delivery can cause life-threatening bleeding.
- Cephalopelvic disproportion: When the baby’s head is too large for the pelvis, no amount of pushing will help.
- Transverse lie or breech position: These are risky for vaginal birth unless turned early and closely monitored.
- Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia: Severe blood pressure issues demand quick delivery, often via C-section.
- Multiple failed inductions: Prolonged labour with no progress is a major maternal and foetal risk.
No matter the challenges, it’s important to remember that you have the right to protect your mental and physical health. You’re an individual with autonomy, and you can deal with the pressure in a way that works for you.
Vaginal birth is not a moral victory. It’s one of many ways to bring a child into the world. If your body, your baby, or your medical team says it’s time for a different route, listen. Safe delivery is not about how you gave birth, but whether you and your baby made it through safely. The pressure to “deliver normally” is real, but it doesn’t get to override your health, your consent, or your outcome.
FAQs on Pressure to Deliver Vaginally, Regardless of Medical Safety
- Are C-sections more dangerous than vaginal births?
Not necessarily. When medically indicated and done in a timely manner, C-sections are life-saving. Risks increase only with emergency delays or repeat surgeries. - Is it true that doctors push C-sections for profit?
While some institutions may have skewed incentives, many C-sections are genuinely necessary. Always ask your doctor to explain the rationale clearly. - Can I request a planned C-section?
In India, elective C-sections are allowed, but doctors typically prefer medical justification. Discuss your mental health, trauma history, or previous complications. - Will a C-section affect my future deliveries?
It might. Some women can try for VBAC later, while others may be advised to repeat a C-section. It depends on scar type, the interval between births, and other factors.
