EFFECTIVENESS OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES IN THE INDUCTION OF NORMAL LABOR - A CASE REPORT

Abstract

DEFINITION

A caesarean delivery is defined as the birth of a fetus through an incision in the abdominal wall (laparotomy) followed by another incision in the uterus (hysterotomy).[1]

INCIDENCE

Over the past 20 years, there has been a disturbing increase in the rate of caesarean sections around the world, including India. Some studies in urban India have shown the rate to be as high as one out of two women.[1] The increase is mainly attributed to:

1. Decrease in midpelvic forceps and vacuum deliveries,
2. Increase in the incidence of caesarean for breech presentation,
3. More pregnancies in older women and higher rates of labor induction. [2]

The safety afforded to surgery with the advent of effective antibiotics, blood transfusion and improved anesthesia has increased the use of caesarean section. [2] At the other end of the spectrum, caesarean sections are very low in under-resourced areas in India due to lack of facilities, leading to increased maternal and perinatal mortality. [1] Women are more likely to have a caesarean section if they have had a previous caesarean section or have a baby with a breech presentation.[1]