Dangerous new trend puts babies and mothers at risk
Arguably, having a birthdate that reads with a rhythm, which is usually made up of the repetition of one or two numbers, should be at the bottom of the list of things that one may boast about. Yet, for more than a decade now, a trend has been observed among many Iranian parents to give birth to their infants on “rhythmic” dates such as the second day of the second month of the Persian calendar year 1402 (written 2/2/02).
This craze not only endangers the health of the infants who are born via medically unnecessary C-sections but also puts the health of their mothers in jeopardy since many things could go wrong during a forced C-section surgery.
Forced C-section, also known as cesarean section, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. While C-sections can be life-saving in certain situations such as when the mother or the baby is in distress during labor, they can also pose significant risks when performed unnecessarily.
According to the World Health Organization, the ideal rate of C-sections stands at between 10–15 percent of all births. However, in many countries, the rate of C-sections is much higher, with some hospitals reporting rates as high as 40 percent.
Iran’s Ministry of Health has, on numerous occasions, warned against the trend, calling it dangerous and taking measures to prevent hospitals from undertaking forced C-sections, especially on the “rhythmic” dates, which have become astronomically popular among parents.
Another reason why the rate of C-sections is so high is that some doctors pressure or coerce women into having “forced” C-sections even when it is not medically necessary. This can happen for a variety of reasons including convenience, financial incentives, and fear of malpractice lawsuits.
Forced C-sections can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. The surgery itself carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and damage to organs. Mothers who undergo C-sections are also more likely to experience complications such as blood clots, respiratory problems, and longer hospital stays.
Babies born via C-section are at higher risk of breathing problems and are more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They may also miss out on the benefits of natural birth, which include exposure to beneficial bacteria and hormones that help with bonding and breastfeeding.
In addition to the physical risks, forced C-sections can also have psychological consequences for mothers. Many women report feeling violated and traumatized by the experience, and some develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result.
To avoid the dangers of forced C-sections, it is important for women to be informed about their options during childbirth and to advocate for their rights. Mothers should not feel pressured or coerced into a procedure they do not want or need. It is also important for healthcare providers to prioritize the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby over convenience or financial gain.
More importantly, the medical staff should be the frontrunners of scientific thinking and counter any implausible idea about the benefits of a “rhythmic” birthdate. That, however, doesn’t seem to be the case in Iran, as many doctors push for such unnecessary operations just for a few dollars more.