C-section deliveries rise across Karnataka, rural areas catching up with trend
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Bengaluru: A recent data shows a marked increase in the number of Caesarean (C-section) deliveries in Karnataka is increasing, both in private and government facilities. Rural districts that traditionally recorded higher rates of vaginal births are also following the new trend.
According to statewide figures accessed by Deccan Herald, as of September in the 2025–26 financial year, 63 per cent of deliveries in private hospitals were C-sections. Government facilities reported 40 per cent deliveries through c-section. In 2022–23, the corresponding figures were 60 per cent and 35 per cent. Contrary to the belief that C-sections are primarily an urban phenomenon, several districts in North Karnataka have now recorded higher rates than Bengaluru Urban.
Health department officials attribute the trend to changing lifestyles, reduced pain tolerance, and an increase in high-risk pregnancies. “Lifestyle in rural areas has changed significantly. Sedentary habits, malnutrition due to processed food consumption, higher BMI, hypertension, and diabetes among women have increased pregnancy risks, leading to more C-sections,” said Dr. Rajkumar N, Deputy Director, Maternal Health.
Doctors in rural areas also note a shift in perception among expectant mothers. “Many women believe C-sections are safer after hearing stories of complications during normal delivery in earlier generations. With improved medical facilities, they prefer a planned procedure to avoid prolonged labour,” said a government doctor from northern Karnataka.
In urban centres, the reasons differ. Doctors say career and educational priorities have led many women to delay pregnancy, increasing the likelihood of complications. “Older mothers face higher pregnancy risks, which often necessitate C-sections,” DH quoted Dr. Tasneem Nishah Shah, Lead Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Robotic Surgery at a hospital in Whitefield, as saying.
Many women choose scheduled deliveries due to beliefs about auspicious timing or concerns that vaginal birth could affect sexual satisfaction later. Experts say these misconceptions, along with fear of labour pain, have contributed to the normalisation of elective C-sections.
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Ready to face no-confidence motion, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Hassan (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that the Congress government led by him was ready to face the no-confidence motion if moved by the opposition during the legislature session from December 8.
With Deputy CM D K Shivakumar by his side, he reiterated that they would both abide by the high command's decision on the leadership issue.
"Let them (opposition) bring in a no-confidence motion or adjournment motion or any other motion. We are ready to face it. Ours is an open book, transparent government. We are ready to face anything," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question.
However, BJP state President B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, clarified that the party, along with the JD(S) has not discussed or decided anything so far regarding moving a no-confidence motion against the government.
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The winter session of the Karnataka legislature will begin in Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra, on December 8 and will go on till 19th of this month.
Not wanting to react to a question on the leadership issue, the CM said the Congress high command is very strong.
"D K Shivakumar and I will be committed to whatever the high command decides," he said.
Earlier in the day in Bengaluru, Shivakumar accompanied AICC Mallikarjun Kharge till airport from Vidhana Soudha, after paying tributes to B R Ambedkar on his 69th death anniversary, which had led to some speculation about possible discussion between the two on the leadership issue.
The power tussle within the ruling party had intensified amid speculation about a change in chief minister in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
However, both the CM and Deputy CM had recently held breakfast meetings at each others residences, on the instructions of the high command, which is seen as a move to pause the leadership tussle between the two and to signal Siddaramaiah's continuation as the CM for the time being, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.
