Comparison of Vaginal Delivery vs. Cesarean Section on Postpartum Recovery

Abstract

Background: The mode of delivery significantly influences maternal postpartum recovery. Vaginal delivery is a physiological process, whereas cesarean section is a major surgical intervention associated with delayed recovery and higher complications. With increasing cesarean rates, evaluating their impact on postpartum outcomes is essential. Objectives: To compare postpartum recovery outcomes between vaginal delivery and cesarean section in terms of pain, mobility, hospital stay, complications, breastfeeding, and return to routine activities. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on 120 postnatal women admitted to the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Government Medical College, Churu, from July 2022 to July 2023. Participants were divided into vaginal delivery (n=60) and cesarean section (n=60) groups. Data on demographics, obstetric history, postpartum pain (VAS), and time to ambulation, hospital stay, complications, breastfeeding difficulties, and return to routine activities were collected and analyzed using SPSS. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Women in the vaginal delivery group had significantly lower pain (VAS >4: 23.3% vs. 63.3%, p=0.0001), earlier ambulation (<24h: 80% vs. 36.7%, p=0.0001), shorter hospital stay (2.1 ± 0.5 vs. 4.6 ± 0.8 days, p=0.0001), and earlier return to routine activities (<7 days: 70% vs. 30%, p=0.0001) compared to the cesarean group. Difficulty in breastfeeding and postpartum complications were also higher in cesarean deliveries (33.3% vs. 13.3% and 46.7% vs. 15%, respectively, p<0.05). Demographic and obstetric characteristics were comparable between groups. Conclusion: Vaginal delivery is associated with faster postpartum recovery and fewer complications. Cesarean sections should be performed based on medical indications to ensure optimal maternal health and recovery