Mothers Lived Experiences of Caesarean Section: A Qualitative Study among Mothers in Semi-Urban Areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

The commercialisation of health services has led to an increasing rate of unnecessary caesarean deliveries in developing countries like Bangladesh. This rising rate of unnecessary caesarean section (CS) is a serious concern, and it is associated with numerous short and long-term complications in both maternal and child health. This study aimed to explore the CS mother's direct experiences with the immediate and long-term physical effects of CS. Twenty-two participants were selected from the Naya Bazar area, Sylhet City Corporation, which included mothers, fathers, traditional birth attendants and community health care providers. A qualitative research approach was adopted, and in-depth interviews and key informant interviews were conducted to focus on the experiences of caesarean mothers. The interviews were conducted face-to-face and analysed thematically. Various short and long-term physical risks were found following CSs. Four important physical consequence themes emerged from the analysis: Medicinal and breastfeeding difficulties, pain and wound complexity, urinary incontinence, and experiences following a CS.  Some of the immediate consequences of the post-caesarean period impacted the mother’s ability to care for their child and the lack of mobility. Short and long-term consequences and physical pain impacted them over a long period. Unnecessary CSs can have short and long-term complications that need to be addressed. It is crucial to raise awareness about the potential consequences of CS for both the mother and the child, which would contribute to Sustainable Development Goals 3 (SDGs 3), ensuring well-being amongst the mother and the child.