Sharp rise in C-section births across Karnataka, Bengaluru leads trend

Karnataka is witnessing a significant increase in caesarean section (C-section) deliveries, with a 20% rise over the past three years, according to state health data. In the 2024-25 period alone, nearly 47% of the 8.3 lakh institutional births were C-sections — amounting to 3.9 lakh surgical deliveries.

Bengaluru Urban is at the forefront of this trend, contributing to one in every five C-sections in the state. The district recorded over 1.4 lakh births this year, with surgical deliveries nearing the 72,000 mark — pushing the rate to almost 50%. This reflects a steady increase from 43.3% in 2022-23 to 44.3% in 2023-24.

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Other districts such as Belagavi (35,903), Tumakuru (18,999), Kalaburagi (17,202), and Vijayapura (16,440) also show high C-section rates, whereas Chamarajanagar and Kodagu reported significantly lower figures, with 4,447 and 1,948 respectively since April 2024.

Experts attribute the rising numbers to a mix of factors including increased high-risk pregnancies linked to diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Delayed motherhood, IVF treatments, and a preference for elective surgery — sometimes driven by fear of labour or cultural beliefs in auspicious timings — are also contributing. Additionally, medico-legal concerns often prompt doctors to opt for surgery in complex cases.

While C-sections provide a vital option for complicated births, health professionals continue to advocate for natural deliveries when medically appropriate, citing faster recovery and fewer long-term risks.