Cesarean Awareness Month Special: Dr. Banka Soujanya on C-Sections, Birth Planning & More

Dr. Banka Soujanya: Hello, everyone. I am Dr. Soujanya Banka. I have been practicing gynecology for 8 years. I did my education at Prathima Institute, Karimnagar, and MBBS from Siddhartha, Vijayawada. I worked at ESI Medical College, Sanath Nagar, for 1 year and then established my private practice in Kukatpally. I primarily deal with obstetrics, high-risk pregnancies, infertility to some extent, and gynecological issues. I work at Reach Hospitals in Bachupally and Indira Clinic in Pragathi Nagar.

Dr. Banka Soujanya: First of all, entering the medical field itself was inspired by one of my family doctors. When I was a child, I used to visit him occasionally, and I was fascinated by the respect doctors received in the community. That inspired me to choose medicine. Secondly, it was my father’s wish that I pursue MBBS.

Choosing gynecology as a profession was purely an incident during my internship. When I was posted in the Ob-Gyn department at a government hospital, the OPD would see 100 to 300 patients per day. As interns, we collected clinical data from patients, and somehow we developed a connection with them. We asked about their daily routines, diet, and exercise during pregnancy.

I still remember a patient named Lakshmi. During her first visit, she was confirmed to be pregnant. A month later, she returned with a miscarriage. She saw me, held my hand, and said, “Ma'am, I lost my pregnancy. I feel very sad,” and she was weeping as if talking to a family member. I was just an intern—very young—and I told her, “It’s not going to harm you. The next pregnancy will be better. Don’t worry; stay positive.” Three months later, she came back, searched for me, and shared the happy news.

That’s when I realized OB-GYN is a department where we share happiness, not only with patients but with their families too. Bringing a tiny little one into the world, and being treated like a family member by the patients, made me decide this is my branch. One of my professors, Dr. Prabhadevi, my HOD, was a walking encyclopedia in the OB-GYN department. She was my greatest inspiration to choose this field. Today, I cherish this department because every patient I deliver feels like family. They come to me, share happiness, and keep in contact for all their doubts.

Dr. Banka Soujanya: There are no strict restrictions regarding the mentioned foods. It’s a myth that papaya and pineapple cause miscarriages. Some people, when they don't want the pregnancy, intentionally eat papaya thinking it will induce bleeding and a miscarriage—but that’s completely wrong.

Ripe papaya does not cause abortions. Only unripe papaya, consumed in large quantities, might produce prostaglandins, but even then, it’s not a definite cause. People unnecessarily blame women for accidentally eating a small piece of ripe papaya at a function, but it’s not harmful.

The real concerns are alcohol and smoking, which can increase the risk of miscarriage. We advise avoiding these not only during pregnancy but at least two to three months prior to conception.

Another thing is to avoid junk foods—like Chinese food with salting agents and monosodium glutamate—in the first three months. These aren’t good for the baby.

There are no blanket restrictions like not climbing stairs or traveling. We only suggest those in high-risk pregnancies. If something concerning appears in the patient’s clinical history, we advise them accordingly—avoid travel, avoid sexual activity, avoid lifting weights. But mental peace is more important than anything in a high-risk pregnancy.

Dr. Banka Soujanya: First of all, pregnancy is not a one-day scenario; it’s a 9-month journey. Patients are under follow-up from the time of conception. From the 5th month, I ask them to start pelvic exercises. At the same time, I prepare the mother, her husband, and family about the chances of normal delivery, possible complications, and the possibility of C-section.

This physical and emotional preparation helps them accept whatever decision is taken at the time of delivery. If normal delivery is progressing, I explain all the procedures and obtain consent. If forceps or vacuum delivery becomes necessary, I explain what it is and its possible side effects, like minor lacerations on the baby in emergencies.

If normal delivery doesn’t progress, and forceps or vacuum fail, we proceed with an emergency C-section. While it's physically and emotionally taxing—especially after 12 hours of effort—we prepare the mother emotionally beforehand and explain the benefits. The goal is to save both mother and baby.

With full ethical transparency, we explain everything to the parents, involve the husband, and the patient’s mother and father in decision-making. Emergency C-sections are sometimes essential to save the baby. Forceps or vacuum deliveries are decided on the table when the mother is exhausted and unable to push. With proper consent and precautions, we proceed accordingly.