15/07/2024
Health professionals frequently make assumptions about the ideal mode of childbirth for women. When I was an O&G trainee, there was widespread agreement to safely reduce the rate of Cesaerean section due to the negative associations with such mode of delivery.
Fast forward 10 years, now as a Urogyanecologist, it is disheartening to hear the birth trauma stories frequently, almost on a weekly basis. I believe the key performance indicator for obstetric service should be reducing the risk of maternal pelvic floor trauma, not the Cesaerean section. Placenta previa occurs between 0.3-0.5% of pregnancies. On the contrary, pelvic floor disorders affect approximately 40% of women, and some have two or more disorders. This could be a life changing issue for many women, and I believe many still suffer in silence.
So, what can we do to help these women? Education and knowledge are power. With these, women are empowered to make informed decisions that are best for their personal circumstances. Those who had experienced birth injury, never be afraid or embarrassed to speak up, and you are not alone! There are many available avenues that you can choose to improve your quality of life.