Multiple C-Sections – Risks & Dangers
For women having multiple c-sections, risks and dangers can be much more of a concern.
For example, hysterectomies were almost five times higher for women having a forth c-section than for women having their second. Also risks like blood transfusions increase after 6 c-sections or more.
There have been many women who have had 6 or more c-sections without a problem, however the risks are high enough that it’s important to be aware of them and take the necessary precautions.
Having a large family may be important to you but your health and overall well and the health of your baby and the children you already have, should always be considered.
The risks and dangers of having multiple c-sections
The more c-sections you undergo the more at risk you are for uterine rupture, adhesions, infection, hysterectomy and placenta problems. Although many of these are rare and many women never experience any problems, they are still risks that every woman should be aware of.
Uterine Rupture
Women who have had previous c-sections are at greater risk for uterine rupture. That’s because the uterine scar is vulnerable to tearing or ruptures, however vertical scars present more of a risk than the low transverse horizontal scar.
As rare as uterine rupture is, infant death is about 10 times higher for women who experience a rupture.
Adhesions and Scar Tissue
As with any abdominal surgery you will have scar tissue or adhesions, and C-Section are no different. There are women who never feel pain from their adhesions but there are some women who are crippled by it.
Extensive adhesions can attach to other organs causing pulling and other complications. Adhesions are not typically life threatening but they can certainly cause discomfort, pain and complications for subsequent c-sections.
Placenta Previa
Having multiple c-sections has been known to increase the risk of Placenta previa, which is where the placenta covers or lies very near the cervix. This can be a problem because as the cervix opens up, it cuts off the placenta at the top causing heavy bleeding.
Very few women with placenta previa ever experience fatal complications and although it is very rare it can cause dangerous levels of heavy bleeding which can lead to anemia and blood transfusions.
Placenta Accreta
Placenta accreta is often associated with placenta previa especially if the patient has had a previous cesarean section. Placenta accreta is where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall. It’s the scar tissue from previous c-sections that increases this risk.
Risks may involve damage to the uterus or other organs as well as possible hemorrhaging when trying to remove the uterus.
In Summary…
The risk of placenta accreta is much less for women having 2-3 c-sections than it is for women having four or more c-sections.
If you will be having multiple c-sections, risks and dangers can be greatly reduced by waiting at least one full year before becoming pregnant again. This gives both the external and internal incisions time to heal properly. Women have certainly waited less time between surgeries but the longer you can wait, the better for avoiding risks.
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Do you know if this information exists in Spanish somewhere? I am trying to find it for a Spanish-speaking patient who has had 4 previous c-secions and is pregnant with her 5th child. She is Spanish-speaking only.
Hi Catherine, This information is not in Spanish at this time, however I’m looking into a way that it can be viewed in Spanish, however until then I don’t have a translation for you, I’m so sorry
Hi iam33 and iam pregant and this is my 5 child but I have 3with c-section my youngt is Almost 10 years old is that a hight risk
Hi Brenda, if your overall health is good and you’re last C-Section was almost 10 years ago, you should not be at a high risk for another C-Section. You may have some adhesions that will make the C-Section procedure take a little longer, but overall it should be OK. Have you spoken to your doctor about this yet?
Hi Elizabeth I’m 22 and 24 weeks having my third child by c section my youngest is 16 months old. Am I at risk for serious complications?
Hi Arabia, When thinking about serious complications it helps to think about your history. How did your last C-Section and recovery go? It’s impossible for me to know if serious complications could occur because I’m not your doctor and I don’t know your history. Having a third c-section there will be more adhesions, but you also may never have any problems with those adhesions. Your c-section procedure may take a little longer but that’s generally not a problem. My biggest concern for you is that if you are feeling worry or concern you should discuss this with your doctor. I’m sure s(he) can put your mind at ease.
Hi I am 38 have had 4 c-sections and a tubalization, I am wanting to get it reversed to have another baby, can you tell me the risks of this, my youngest is 3
Hi Melissa, A tubal ligation can be reversed but it’s expensive and not guaranteed. However you’ll need to talk to your doctor because you may have adhesions and more surgery to reverse your tubal ligation could produce still more adhesions. Those things can make conceiving difficult, not to mention, you’ll probably have yet another C-section meaning even more adhesions.