AYURVEDIC MEASURES TO MINIMIZE CAESAREAN DELIVERIES - REVIEW ARTICLE

Abstract

Caesarean delivery has come a long way since the start of last century. It is fascinating to trace its journey from being a procedure of last resort to save the mother's life to one that could save the baby. More recently the procedure is becoming choice of delivery in the patients with or without perfect indication. Though the availability of antibiotics, the progress of anesthesiology, the availability of blood and blood products have rendered the caesarean section feasible and relatively safe in the last century; it is a surgical procedure which may followed by immediate or remote complications. Ayurveda aims not only to deal with disease and its treatment but also to work in harmony with the human body's anatomy, physiology, physical & mental well being and not against them. Management of pregnancy from first month of conception to onset of labour has been well explained as 'Garbhini Paricharya' in Ayurvedic granthas and further gives idea of preconceptional treatment for shukra and artava i.e. sperm and ovum which can prevent chromosomal and congenital defects in foetus. By following the 'Garbhini Paricharya' high risk pregnancies can be prevented with its better outcomes and normal labour without complications can be achieved in uncomplicated cases. These Ayurvedic measures surely minimize the need of caesarean section in relative indications and thus undue surgical interventions can be prevented.