Multiple C-Sections: How Many Is Too Many?
Multiple c-sections are very common, especially nowadays. When a woman is considering having more children after having her first via cesarean delivery, she may have some concerns about several things including: the type of birth(s) she’ll have in the future, the size of the family she can have, potential risks of complications along with concerns about her body image.
There was a time when doctors recommended a woman had no more than three c-sections and back then, a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was practically unheard of due to the fear of risk to mother and baby. Even the way that cesareans were performed was generally different with a midline incision vertically on the woman’s abdomen. Today, most deliveries via c-section are lower uterine sections that involve a much smaller scar horizontally on the lower abdomen.
Many doctors today suggest that four or even five c-sections are a safe number and many women have a c-section for their first baby and then go on to deliver several more babies vaginally.
The safe number of c-section surgeries for a woman primarily depends on a woman’s general overall health factors including how well she healed after her last c-section. Today having a c-section after your first baby does not necessarily sentence you to subsequent c-sections. A VBAC or Vaginal birth after cesarean is quite common today if there is no medical reason for a subsequent c-section. However, if you’ve had several c-sections adhesions and scar tissue may prevent you from having a VBAC.
C-Section Recommendations
Doctors typically recommend that a woman having multiple c-sections give her body time to heal between surgeries and often suggests waiting a minimum of a year between babies.
Having babies too close together could increase risk of uterine rupture due to the lack of time to heal from the incision. And, even after multiple c-sections, you may still be able to have a VBAC but this depends on many factors that should be addressed by your doctor based on your specific health status. Of course if you’re not happy with your doctor’s recommendations for future deliveries or delivery options, it is perfectly acceptable to seek an alternate opinion.
Possible Complications & Fears
As the number of cesareans increases, the risk of complications increases as well. Potential risks include: post-delivery hysterectomy, the need for blood transfusions and a condition called Placenta Accreta among other risks. In some cases excessive amount of scar tissue, as mentioned above, can be an issue and a doctor will recommend avoiding further pregnancies and perhaps consider a tubal ligation.
You may also be concerned that having multiple c-sections can mean that your scar will be more prominent, that you’ll have trouble exercising after a c-section and risks to your baby.
There are many factors that will determine how many c-sections you can safely have or if a VBAC is an option. The very fact that you are researching the options will empower you to make a decision that’s right for you, your health and your well-being. But good communications with your doctor and asking the right questions are always the best place to start.
i had my daughter via c-section due to her being breech i am hoping to have a vaginal birth the next time what are the risks???
Hi Brianna,
Having a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) can be quite safe, in fact many women have had no problems. It can depend, however, on the type of incision you had and the span of time between births.
For example, if you had a vertical incision there’s almost no chance of having a VBAC, however if you had the traditional horizontal ‘bikini cut’ chances are better that your physician is willing to perform a VBAC.
The issue lies with the internal stitching that occured during your c-section. If those internal sutchers break open causing uterine rupture there can be serious complications and most doctors don’t want to risk that, therefore many doctors become reluctant to perform VBAC’s. In fact there are some hospitals that don’t allow VBAC’s at all.
The other VBAC risk is that if you attempt a vaginal delivery that is unsuccessful and you end up with another c-section there is a greater risk of uterine infection. In fact according to Webmd 40% of women who attempt a VBAC develop problems and have a c-section anyway, but don’t let that discourage you, that just means the 60% are successful!
How long ago did you have your c-section? The longer the time span between births can be a positive. For example, a doctor is more comfortable trying a VBAC on a woman who’s c-section was 5 years ago verses a woman who had a c-section just one or two years ago.
It’s important to understand that every woman is different. It all comes down to your overall health, the health of the baby. There’s no one answer fits all. My recommendation is understand the risks and talk with your doctor about how he feels and his recommendations.
Many Blessings to You
Elizabeth
I have had 3 c-sections and I am concerned about how many kids I can have because my husband and I want a large family. We don’t like birth control because I have been on 10 different ones and my body freaks out with the hormones. Needless to say our kids aren’t very far apart in age. Last 2 are 15 months apart. I don’t know how dangerous it gets the more kids we want. Is there a limit to the number of C-sections that you can have? Our latest daughter is almost 5 months old and I am about to go off birth control because my body again can’t handle it and it is the last one I am going to try. I know there are natural ways of tracking when you ovulate but I am very unregular and I really would like to get pregnant again so I know that there won’t be much time between C-sections. Is this bad?
Hi Kendall,
Ideally you want to wait at least a year between c-sections, even longer if you can. The longer you wait the longer the internal incisions have to heal. In fact, waiting several years is what makes a VBAC more successful, however a VBAC is probably out of the question for you since you’ve already had 3 c-sections.
There are women who have had as many as 6 or more c-sections, although I wouldn’t advise this, many women have done it.
Your issues will come with scar tissue and adhesions. The more surgeries you have the more adhesions you’ll have.
But getting back to having c-sections close together, there is no one answer fits all on this. Every woman is different and it can depend on your overall health and how well the last c-sections went. Even if you get pregnant tomorrow it will have been 14 months since your last c-section. That’s not very long but it has been done.
Since you’ve already had 3 c-sections, and I’m assuming there were no complications, have a talk with your doctor and get his feelings on the matter. But my best advice would be to do your best to delay getting pregnant again for at least another 6 months — if you can. I know that can be asking a lot but it’s just better for your body the longer it has to heal. But do talk with your doctor.
Many Blessings
I’ve had two c-sections and we are thinking about getting pregnant again in a few months. My first two kids are only a year and a week apart. With my daughter (second baby) they had to cut my uterus in a different place than the first because my doctor feared my uterus would be too thin to stitch closed if she went though my previous scar. So now my uterus has two different scars on it. What are my risks of having another c-section? Do I have a higher risk of rupturing now that I have two scars? (I believe the second incision on my uterus is towards the top).
… by the way, if we were to conceive in a few months … the next c-section would be 3 years after the previous one.
Hey Kelly, BTW, great name, that’s my daughter’s name too
The longer you wait between c-sections the better, it gives your uterus more time to heal and that’s always a plus. Having two scars in different places now gives you two areas of your uterus to worry about but 3 years between births helps. I had two c-sections that were 4 years apart and the doctor went over the same scar and I had no problems.
As a best guess I would say that your next c-section would be ok going over one of the previous scars, since it will be 3 years since your last c-section, however be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Make sure he understands your concerns and make sure you understand how he plans to proceed. There’s never a guarantee, but you have 3 years healing time on your side so that will help, how much it helps will need to be accurately determined by your doctor.
As always, my best for your health,
Elizabeth
I’m pregnant with my third child and I am scheduled for my third c-section in the second week of October. They’ve asked me several times if I wanted to get my tubes tied and I am just stuck on my decision. I will be 36 yrs old two weeks after my third child is born, so age is also a concern of mine. My first c-section was due to “failure to progress”. Although we were warned that we would be convinced to have a c-section for no reason b/c it’s common now, I was just to out of it to make any decisions and allowed them to do it after just 11 hrs of labor. I was devastated when I realized what happened and had to go home after major surgery and a new baby. I found another doctor that did VBACS for my second child but b/c she never dropped, my doctor scheduled me for an Ultra sound and realized she was big. He told me that I can wait longer to see if she drops but she’ll only get bigger and I may still need to get a c-section. So we decided we just to have her via scheduled c-section. That doctor has since retired and I went back to the first doctor. There are no doctors in my area that do vbacs!
Although I wish I could have a “normal” delivery, I have some what accepted that I will only have VBACS and there is nothing I can do about it. I’ve never had any medical issues and my c-sections have both gone smoothly. You can feel some thick scar tissue around the inside of my incision but they have never mentioned that being an issue.
I can’t decide if I want to have my tubes tied. I can see my doctors look at me, waiting for me to decide what to do and remind me it’s not recommended that I have more then three c-sections. But I feel like my doctors are making the decision for me. I’ve never really felt in control of my deliveries. I’m confused on what questions to ask. Do I just wait until my next c-section and see how it goes? That would mean I would not get my tubes tied and if I don’t heal properly, then I would have to worry about some kind of birth control. I feel as though my doctors some how go around my questions and there is no real solid answer. I just want to make sure it’s fairly safe to have another child. What kind of questions should I ask them?
Hi Julia, I really feel your pain as to what to do. It’s hard to know and no doctor will give you a solid answer, if they do and something goes wrong they will be liable. It makes sense for them but it’s hard for you. There are many women who have had 3+ c-sections, one story is from Morgan who I’ve featured here at this blog.
http://adventuresindiapering.blogspot.com/2009/05/about.html
However with each c-section comes a greater risk for complications with the next pregnancy. Some women have no problems, some do, you can’t really predict complications unless you have obvious medical conditions. From a medical standpoint a doctor only has his statistics to rely on.
No doctor can make the decision for you, they can make their recommendations but it’s up to you to empower yourself by thinking it through. Weigh all the pluses and minuses and then come up with your own decision based on fact and emotion. I know that’s much easier said than done.
You mentioned that you can feel your scar tissue. Scar tissue does increase the risk for placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies, you might ask your doctor how bad your scar tissue really is and if he can give you an honest idea of how much at risk you are for placenta accreta.
Go to authority sites like WebMD and Mayo Clinic and read as much as you can. Chances are if your overall health is good and your last c-sections went well you will be fine but that’s never a given and you should consider the risks carefully.
Also start with talking to other women who have had more than 3 c-sections. Get some insight from them, I think the personal interaction and support you get from others helps a lot in making a decision and feeling good about what you decide.
I hope that helps
I am 34 and I have had 3 C-sections, each about 2 years apart. The first was performed after approximately 24 hours of labor because I never completely dilated and my baby was 2 weeks past due. My second was due to the fact that he was 10lbs.12oz. My third of course was because a VBAC was not recommended. After my second and third C-section the Dr told me that I had a lot of scar tissue and that I should really weigh my decision to have one more. I questioned her about the risks and she stated that uterine rupture was the greatest risk posed by multiple C-sections.
What I didn’t quite understand after our discussion was did the scar tissue increase my risk? I never heard her mention a thin uterine wall. Is that something different than scar tissue? She did say that uterine rupture was a concern only if I went into labor. I never went into labor with any of my children, as stated before my first was 2 weeks past due I had to be induced, my last two scheduled c-sections was on their due dates because of conflicts in my husband’s school schedule and again I never went into labor. Should I feel pretty confident in that fact or does it not matter? We would like to try to become pregnant this fall which would make this c-section a little over 2 years since my last.
Hi Wendy,
Just because you don’t go into labor doesn’t mean there’s less risk. Your risk is still increased. The weakest part of your uterus is at the scar area and with every c-section you have there is more weakness around the scar and that is always a concern. But I also understand that at around the time of delivery your uterine wall becomes thinner, I’ve even heard it can be so thin you can see right through it. If that’s the case it makes sense that the area around your scar is even weaker as well.
I cannot advise you on what to do. I am not a doctor but your doctor knows your body, she has seen your scar tissue and knows your uterus. She’s basing her recommendation on the level of weakness at your incision site after having 3 c-sections and she is the best one to advise you.
Also keep in mind that scar tissue does increase the risk for placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies.
Many Blessings
Hi. I am happy a mother of three. My first delivery was vaginal followed by 2 cesareons due to the babies bieng breech. I am currently 6 months pregnant (after five years) and would love to have a vbac should this baby be in the correct position and everything else is going well. I haven’t told my doctor of the way I am feeling because I am afraid that she will not be supportive of my wanting the vbac. So, could I or should I consider the vbac?
Hi Stephanie, being that your last child was born 5 years ago makes you somewhat of a good VVBAC candidate, however having had 2 c-sections already presents risks. However, it doesn’t hurt to consider it and don’t be afraid that your doctor won’t be supportive, talk to her anyway and let her argue her case. Consider carefully what she says and speak up on things that you question. Also it never hurts to talk with another doctor on topic. You don’t have to change doctors just talk with other doctors for their opinions and input.
Keep in touch with us on this. I’d like very much to know how it turns out for you.
Many Blessings, Elizabeth
I have had 3 c sections and am wondering if it is possible to try a vbac at this point. My first child was way too big to come out vaginally, my second child had a medical condition that required her to be delivered by c section (I did go in labor with her though I was 6cm dialated when the c section began) My third was a scheduled c section. I am wondering if it would be safe to try going natural this time. I would love to have at least one of my babies natural. I have had no complications and the baby is head down and healthy.
Hi Lisa,
Have you spoken to your doctor about this? As I mentioned to Stephanie above, having several c-sections already puts you at a substantial risk. If it were me, I would not attempt a natural birth at this time. I can tell that you would really like to attempt it but the risks could present problems that you would regret. How long has it been since your last c-section? The longer the time between c-sectioons can help but I’d seriously discuss it with your doctor first.
I have had 3 c-sections. My first was F.T.P,and my 2nd and 3rd were by choice since I never dialated or had contractions with either. I had my tubes tied after my 3rd which was 3 yrs ago. I now want another child, is it safe to reverse my tubal ligation and have a 4th c-section?
Latasha, I would definitely check with your doctor. 4 c-sections is a lot but it’s been done. Of course reversing your tubal requires yet another surgery so if you have another c-section you’re now up to 5 surgeries. That’s not to be taken lightly. By checking with your doctor s(he) can coach you based on your current health and past pregnancies.
Hello, Everyone! I have had 4 C-sections, and am currently 6 weeks pregnant. I grew up from a big family with 6 other siblings. My sisters and I have already given my mom 12 grandchildren, and she is only 51 years old. I already know that a VBAC is not an option for me. It was not an option after my third c-section, so I know that I will have another c-section. I am really excited to have my fifth and last baby, since my goal was to have my five kids before I turn 30. I am 4 years ahead of schedule. My c-sections were a year apart with my first being in SEP 03, AUG 05, JUN 07, SEP 08, and my next one will be due in APR 10. I will be having my tubes tied, or cut, or whatever. I don’t plan on having another baby after this one. **I’m kinda hoping I have twins, so I can have 6 babies… instead of 5 =D Like I said, I’m really excited, and can’t wait to have my baby.
Hey Joanna, Thanks for sharing! Many blessings to you on having your final baby. I guess you’re a good example of someone who has had multiple c-sections. I’m assuming you haven’t had any complications by having so many surgeries and I certainly hope your last c-section goes well also.
Hi Ive just turned 25 on Aug 16th and I ve already had 3 c sections.
I just found out a couple of weeks ago that I am now pregnant with my 4th child going on 2months. With my first child I was just 16 yrs old when I had him and I dialated the whole 10 cm, So my nurse let me push only once when the doc walks in and says that it will be a c section because the baby is too big he of course didnt care what I said cause I was a minor back then, He got the approval from my mother…and my son weighed 7lbs 12 ounces..That was back in Dec 2000. Then with my second child I talked to my doc if I could really try and have my daughter natural and when it came down to it, I started getting my contractions I dialated pretty quickly till I got to 6 cm I started slowing down and she “the doc” told me she really didnt have time and it would be best if I just get another c section..That was in May 2003..And then with my third I found another doc that could atleast hear me out and he did he was very nice and sweet I talked to him about giving birth naturally because I actually felt that there really wasnt a reason for me to have a c section on my last two pegnacies..And he told me about all the risk and made me sign some paper work but then at the last min my daughter turns and never turns back around It was very frustrating for me having her breeched all the time so I talked to my doc about it and he scheduled me a c section…That was in June 2005….By the time I have this baby it will be 5 yrs from my last c section.And now that I am pregnant Im kinda scared cause of the last 3 c sections I ve had….And I also wonder if theres any chance that I could have a natural birth. I havent got a doc yet Im really trying to look for a good doc that can help me and understand me..I dont want any like with my first two pregnacies…I felt like they really didnt care maybe cause I was too young…But Im kinda nervise can you please give me some advice..Thanks
Hi Jasmin, Not knowing your medical history it’s hard to say what is best for you, however having had c-sections already most doctors prefer not to go with a vaginal birth. However since it’s been 5 yrs since your last c-section there may be a chance. I would recommend talking to several doctors about your situation and your wishes. Find a doctor that understands your wishes and come up with a plan together. The problem is that even though you may try to do a vaginal birth it often ends in a c-section because doctors fear that the old scarring may rupture, and that’s very dangerous and no doctor wants to risk that, but in all honesty you don’t want to risk that either. I wish you the best of luck, let us know how things turn out for you.
Hi, I am just wondering, I would like to get pregnant sometime in the next year, my baby is currently 6 months old. I have had all c-sections. My first 3 sections I was cut from the belly button down, and this last baby was a bikini cut. I have had 4 sections and can I still have another child or it it not safe. I have not had any problems during my pregnancy’s or sections.
Hi Nicole, There are women who have had more than 4 c-sections, just take a look at Morgan http://adventuresindiapering.blogspot.com/2009/05/about.html she’s very inspirational.
However, every person is different. Just because someone else had no problems doesn’t mean it will be the same for you. Since you have had both vertical and horizontal cuts I would guess you have a large amount of scar tissue and this would be a significant issue for most doctors and most advice would be to avoid another pregnancy.
I would suggest speaking with your doctor on this. If you are in good health and your pregnancies tend to go well you may be less at risk, however if you have large amounts of scar tissue, that presents other problems. Talking to your doctor may help you both sort through those things and determine a safe course of action. I hope that helps
Hello,
Your site has been very informative. I’m 33 yrs old and just found out I’m pregnant with baby number 4. I never expected this. My previous 3 babies have all been c-sections and I can remember my OB telling me that the recommended number of babies born via c-section was 3. She never commented on my uterus or scar tissue. I never asked after my 3rd baby was here and we were “done” having children. Now I find myself scared because I don’t know if this will be a safe birth for me or baby. My 1st section was due to failure to progress in 2002 (in labor 27 hrs and never got past 4cm dilated). My 2nd baby I BEGGED for a VBAC, but my OB was steadfast that since my son (who was a week late) was 9lb 2oz she would not let me go past my due date. So on my due date I had my 2nd section…which was 2005 (oh, and that baby was only 8lb 4oz). Then feeling I had no other choice when it came to number 3, I had my 3rd (and I thought final) c-section in February of last year. Now I’m so nervous because of my age and the fact this is my 3rd baby that something will go wrong. I no longer see the same OB and we kinda had a falling out right before number 3 was born so I really don’t want to ask her what my uterus looked like…is this something they can tell in an ultrasound??
Hey Natalie, Don’t let yourself feel afraid. Have confidence that things will go well. Your mindset is very important. As far as I know there are no tests that will diagnose adhesions, and they can’t be seen from x-rays or ultrasound.
Adhesions can be a problem but many women have had more than 3 c-sections and have been fine. If you’ve already had 3 c-sections without issue you’re probably in pretty good shape.
I would suggest finding a new doctor as soon as you can and discuss this with him/her at length. The good thing about being 33 is your doctor will be watching you carefully, so I would say you are in good hands. Remember stay positive and find a doctor you like, trust and have faith in and keep the communication going.
I hope that helps
Hello there! I have really enjoyed many of the stories here that i have read. I am 32 years old and will be 33 in December. I have 4 children (15,11,9,8). My first was at age 16 1/2 yrs old and i had a vaginal natural birth (1994) . It went REALLY quick so i had no time for drugs..HAHAHA! I had my second child 4 years later (1998).After 13 hours of labor and stopping at 5cm and my son’s heartrate dropping i had an emergency c-section. My 3rd child i opted for a scheduled c-section. This occurred in 2000 and the 4th child to arrive in 2001 via c-section. I had full term births- 1 vaginal and 3 c-sections. I had my tubes tied after my 4th child. Here i am 8 years later thinking of having another child. My husband is nervous because he’s heard horror stories. I assume having a tubal reversal will require surgery opening my incision? I haven’t researched it yet. I also heard that a woman who had her tubes tied may leave them that way and go through with IVF to avoid that surgery. Do you know of anyone to do this? This would be my 4th c-section. I did not have any complications during my pregnancies. I would like your opinion on this. THANKS for your time!
Hi Lizzy (btw, great name!)
I’ve not had a reverse tubal or an IVF but I’d have to say neither of them is very pleasant.
IVF’s can be performed after having a tubal ligation but as with any in vitro procedure there is a risk it will not take.
My sister had an IVF, not because of a tubal but because she couldn’t get pregnant and it was hard for her. There’s a whole series of hormone shots and medications you must have. Because of all the hormonal activity she had lots of mood swings which makes it a little uncomfortable. She also had the procedure done twice before it worked.
And that’s the other disadvantage – it doesn’t always take the first time so multiple tries can be expensive. One IVF try is on average about $15,000.
Having your tubal reversed does require surgery and there seems to be several issues that determine it’s success. The advanced fertilization center of Chicago has some good information that you can look at here:
http://www.advancedfertility.com/tubalreversal.htm
Let us know what you decide. I’d be very interested in finding out how things turn out for you.
I think this is a good topic for discussion and one that many women may be interested in.
Many Blessings
Elizabeth
i just found out that i am pregnant with my 5th child and my obgyn is no longer working in my state so i have to find a new one, but this will be my 5th c-section, and they had problems with my scar tissue cutting through it, he didn’t say not to have NY MORE CHILDREN just to wait a while, this is very unplaned, i hav been on birth control since a month after my last child, and nothing has happend till now, i don’t even know how far along i am becase i have still had my periods on time, i found ut when i had pain going to the bathroom and went to the e.r. and had a u.t.i….
my question is am i gonna die i heal fine after all of my births never any problems, i am just worried about whats going to happen, i dont belive in having my tubes tied and nither does my husband,
Jamie, The first thing you need to do is find a good doctor. Second of all don’t be thinking about dying. That won’t do you or your family any good. Many women have had 5 sections. It’s not preferred but it can be done. How long has it been since your last c-section?
If you’re reasonably healthy and had no previous problems there’s no reason to think you won’t be ok this time. Scar tissue can present problems but that does not mean that you will have problems. Talking with your doctor will help. Every case is different. You must think positively and have faith that everything will be fine.
You may want to get ahold of your previous doctor by phone and see if he can refer another doctor, especially if you liked your last doctor. Getting a reference always makes me feel better.
I attempted vaginal birth in 2009 after my previous c section in 2005 and ended up with the scar rupturing and the baby and the placenta being pushed into the peritonial cavity and i lost my boy. Well i didnt need transfusion and my uterus was sutured but the worst happened, i lost my baby boy. I dont know whether i will ever be able to deliver in future. I have a 4 year old daughter and i was looking forward to my boy. I m 28 now and i dont know if i can carry a pregnancy in future.
Please let me know if i should or c an attempt one, i would like to, really.
Rajashrie Sharma
Read more: http://www.faqs.org/abstracts/Health/Uterine-rupture-during-trial-of-labor-after-previous-cesarean-section.html#Comments_form#ixzz0TmsG9GKa
Rajashrie, I feel terrible that you lost your baby with attempting a VBAC. That’s something I never like to hear. So many VBAC’s are successful but there are those that are not.
As for attempting another pregnancy, no one but your doctor can advise you on that. I suggest scheduling time with your doctor. Compose all your questions and have your doctor outline the possible catestrophic scenarios that s(he) may foresee. You don’t want this to happen again, obviously, so you’re going to have to take great care to make sure the outcome is a successful one.
May God Bless you and You are definitely in my prayers.
Elizabeth
I am 25 yrs old and I am pregnant with my 5th child. I had my 1st c section on 3-19-04 2nd 2-27-05 3rd 11-01-07 4th 1-26-09 and my 5th is due 03-08-10 They used the same incision with all 4. During my last csection they had problems with the previous adhesions. I am so scared with this one. I want to get fixed but the dr said he may not be able to see due to all the scarring, I am worried. Ive never heard of this before. I am also worried about this being my 5th c section. any advice? Crystal
Crystal, It’s true that scar tissue does become an issue with multiple c-sections. As you can see in this post alone there are lots of concerns. Your tubal ligation (getting fixed) may indeed be a problem for your doctor.
I am not a doctor and I can’t give you any medical advice, however I believe 5 c-sections is a manageable risk, however every case is different. I’d discuss this at length with your doctor. What is his feeling? Is he overly concerned? You may also want to check with your doctor to see if he will have someone assist in the surgery. Some of the best surgeons around are gyn/oncologists so an assist may be something you’ll want to ask about.
Well with my first two i had the same ob then another for the second two. Now this one is different. I know that he did mention maybe making a cut up higher to try and avoid all the previous incisions. So is the pain to be expected like my 1st? That was the hardest recovery the other ones were ok besides the massive bleeding 2 weeks after my last c section. What are the risks that I am facing in general with this being my 5th? And what are the risks with the previous adhesions problems?
Julia, I have just recently recovered from my 3rd c-section. The DRs asked several times if I wanted my tubes tied. I asked if it was medically necessary or if it would be okay if I had another c-section in the future. After talking it out with the DR and my husband, I chose not to. Since then, I have learned that I will be having my 4th c-section in June. I’m a bit frightened this time because my last one was in July this year. According to the DRs in this area, it should be okay since it is going to be almost a year later. Most DRs recommend 2 years between c-sections. I really didn’t expect to be expecting this quickly (in fact, we were using birth control), but I think everything will go okay. My last pregnancy wound up being High Risk (due to the way my uterus was turned) and I was seen in a High Risk clinic. They told me that unless things go horribly wrong, they don’t see a problem with me having up to 5 kids but after that, things may get complicated… as for my family, I think 4 will be more than enough. I am just hoping that this one is a girl because the other 3 are all boys!
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Crystal, I feel like my 1st c-section was the hardest to heal…well, at first. The 2nd was a breeze. My 3rd went fine except when I opened back up after the removal of my staples.
I think the 1st seems to be the hardest because you are inexperienced and don’t know what level of pain to expect. With each c-section, you go in knowing what you are facing. I don’t think the pain level will be any different than before for you (or me) since you can mentally prepare yourself. To be honest, healing may even be a bit quicker since you won’t have scar tissue slowing down the skin and tissue regrowth. Good luck and God bless you! I can’t imagine how hectic my life is going to be with 4 (3 boys already, unsure of the gender on this one). I think it takes a brave woman to have that many kids. As for me, this one was a bit sooner than planned for (the pill didn’t work for me). I don’t think I want another one any time soon and I am pretty sure that this is going to be my last. I am desperately hoping that this one is a girl!!!
Kelly, I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that #4 will be your much-awaited girl!!
I’ve had 2 c/s, my first is a boy and my second is a girl. Best of luck to you!
I have had 5 children. The first ended up as an c-section (the baby got sick). Then I had two successful VBACs. I tried to have a VBAC with the fourth, but being a week over due (vs 2 weeks early like the others), he literally got stuck. Another c-section. The fifth one was a scheduled c-section. The doctor wanted to know if I wanted a tubal ligation this time, due to the risks. I was very put off by the suggestion, but agreed to think about it over the course of the pregnancy. From a medical standpoint, I agreed a tubal ligation would be in order if medically necessary (provided he would inform me and my husband about the condition of my uterus at delivery). Feeling optimistic and invincible, I didn’t prepare myself for the chance that I would need a tubal ligation.
It took them a lot longer than the other times to cut through the scar (they said it was like cement). My husband said he could see the baby’s hair through the uterus. The doctor said I’d have a 50% chance of having problems next time. I agreed to let them do the tubal ligation. I was feeling on top of the world, having my new baby.
It didn’t take long (a few days) for the regret to set in. Maybe postpartum blues made it worse, but I cried a lot. Over the past year, I have just felt sad, wondering if I made the right decision. I know I have 5 kids (been very blessed), but I wanted more, and I guess I am just sad this is the end. I have often considered a tubal ligation reversal, but my husband says the uterus was the problem. It’s hard for me, because I didn’t see it, & I feel like I was drugged up when I made the decision. Did I do the right thing? or would you attempt a tubal ligation reversal?
I felt a little regretful after my tubal as well, and I only had two kids at the time.
I would not recommend a reverse tubal. For one thing it’s more surgery and more recovery. It sounds like with your last c-section they had trouble with scar tissue. Scar tissue is a very big risk concern among women that have had multiple c-sections. If you were to have another baby and another c-section that compounds the scar tissue risk even more. For medical reasons I would say you absolutely did the right thing.
You have 5 great kids who love and they depend on you. I know you would like more — but at what expense? You are no good to your family should problems arise with a tubal reversal or yet another c-section. At the time of the tubal you took the advice of your doctor and you put your health and the welfare of the children you already have first. I think that is an exceptional mom.
Hi Elizabeth
I’m currently expecting my fourth child and this will be my fourth c- section.
My first was an emergency in sept2006 due to foetal distress.
My second was an elective in nov 2007.
My third was an elective in march 2009.
This baby is due in june 2010.
We had always planned for a large family and during my third c-section i told the surgeon to be careful as i wanted more!
When i was discharged i asked if there was anything in my notes about the risks of conceiving again and the midwife said nothing that indicated i shouldnt have anymore.
I have had excellent recoveries so far.
I guess my worries are the surgery and the risk of more complications. Its against my belief to get my tubes tied.
I’m just worried about anything goin wrong this time.
I’m 31 and healthy.
I think in my mind i would be happy with four, but we always said 6 up til we had the second section!
Not really sure what i’m asking you! i think i’m just trying to organise my thoughts!
Sometimes i think it would help if the decision was taken out of my hands!
Sorry for the rambling!
Becky
Hey Becky, Multiple c-sections are of concern due to the development of scar tissue which incrreases each time you have a c-section. For some women this is a big issue even after just one c-section, however there are some women who have had several c-sections with no problems at all. It often depends on the woman.
Since you are healthy and have had good recoveries and your doctors have not raised any red flags with your last c-section I would not stress and go with the assumption that things will be fine. Don’t worry about things going wrong, things can go wrong with a vaginal birth as well. It’s going to be up to you to stay positive.
Keep the communications open with your doctor. Find out what he thinks and how he feels about this up coming c-section. It always helps to talk about your fears and concerns and who better to talk to than the doctor.
Do keep in touch, I’d like to know how it turns out for you
Many Blessings, Elizabeth
I have my 1st c-section in 2005 because I had high blood pressure, induce and only progress to 7cm. The doctor decide to do a c-section. The second c-section was done in 2007. I tried for VBAC, and progress to 9cm , but my cervix was bruised. I was laboring for 2 hours and the Dr. decide to do a c-section due to CPD. It has been 2 years now since I had the last c-section. Is there a way that the Doctor would let me do a VBA2C. If I wait for 3 more years, then is my chance of a VBA2C higher success rate? I would love to have a big family like my parents and my husband’s parents.
Where VBAC’s are concerned you are dealing with two separate issues when it comes to success.
1. What are the chances a VBAC itself will be successful?
2 what are the chances you’ll find a doctor that will support it.
Since you’ve already had two c-sections the chances are reduced in both cases, however that doesn’t mean it can’t be successful, it’s just that we have no way of knowing.
There are women who have had vaginal births after 2 c-sections but you are taking a big risk with rupturing, so it’s difficult to find a doctor, even a hospital, that will support it.
I don’t have the statistics on having a VBAC after 2 c-sections, even after waiting several years, however you may want to look at it this way, if you do rupture this baby will probably be your last. You’re taking a big risk, not only for having more children but for your own health as well.
I’m sorry I don’t have better news on this, but it’s a tough call to make and I would hate to see you rupture or have other complications.
Hi, I am 28 yrs old now and I have had 2 c-sections and my babies were 20 months apart. With my first baby I was in labor with for 25 hrs but had to end up getting a c-section because he was too big. That was aug.2003. My 2nd c-section was scheduled but I had alot of scar tissue that he cut away. He said that I have scaring problems and due to the risks he thought it was best to have a tubal. So out of fear of complacations for the next pregnancy I had the tubal. It was a hard decision because I still want another baby I made the decision out of fear not that I didn’t want more children. It has been 4 yrs since my last c-section and I want another child so bad, but don’t want a reversal. What are the chances of getting pregnant without a tubal reversal? I have read alot of women that have and it turned out fine, but if I were to get pregnant how bad are my risks of something going wrong with that c-section?
I’m so sorry to say that chances of getting pregnant after a tubal are rare. It’s not impossible as there is about a 1.4% chance of getting pregnant, but that’s pretty slim.
A tubal ligation basically cauterizes the ends of your tubes making it virtually impossible for the eggs to pass through. What’s even worse is that women getting pregnant after a tubal are also at risk for an ectopic pregnancy which is a pregnancy that doesn’t occur in the uterus, instead the embryo implants in other areas of the body like the fallopian tubes or the cervix and most often the baby does not survive this way.
One other option you may have besides a tubal reversal is in vitro fertilization. This is where the egg and sperm are fertilized outside the body and then implanted in your uterus, however the procedure is expensive. Also if you did this procedure and got pregnant another c-section might be risky with scarring problems or adhesions that you say you have.
I would suggest you talk extensively with your doctor and discuss what your best options are, only s(he) knows your medical history and what specifically you are at risk for.
I know this must be extremely hard for you and I hate bearing such bad news but try to take it one day at a time. Talk to your doctor, look at your options. I also happen to believe that prayer is powerful thing. Miracles happen every day
Hi,
I am 37 years old with one son. I had a c-section in 2003. However, I had a tubal ligation in 2004 and a tubal reversal in 2009. I became pregant later in 2009 and it resulted in an ectopic pregnancy in which I had to have an emergency surgery (however the tube was saved).
My doctor told me that I can try again in two months. However, I wonder would it be a wise decision considering all of the sugeries I’ve had; though only one has been a C-section. Scar tissue has never been mentioned by my doctor.
Thanks for your time!
So sorry to hear about your ectopic pregnancy. You are right to be cautious considering you probably have a fair amount of scar tissue. It’s not surprising that the doctor didn’t mention it, I find that a lot of doctors don’t, not sure why. Unless you’ve had issues with scar tissue in your history doctors seem to forget that it can be troublesome, but a doctor never knows how bad scar tissue is until he gets in there to see. Don’t put off trying to get pregnant because of scar tissue, if your doctor had a concerns he would have mentioned it, but I would wait longer than 2 months to try again, I would feel safer with 6 months, that would give you a good year or more before your next birth.
The bad news with having one ectopic pregnancy you may have a little trouble getting pregnant again and you are that much more likely to have another one. This is not to scare you but be sure your doctor provides testing in the first weeks of pregnancy so they can be on top of any problems and find them early.
My best to you and be well.
Hi Elizabeth,
It’s been so helpful to read your advice to women. I have had two c-sections — the first in August 2006, my daughter was “failing to progress”, and the second in December 2008 because my son was expected to be so big. Both c-sections went well and the doctor said it was fine to try for a third. I’d really love to have four children, but I don’t want to push my luck. In your opinion, if my doctor says that my scarring isn’t too bad after a 3rd baby (God willing) and I wait the recommended two years between births, would it be too risky to plan for a 4th baby? For what it’s worth, I just turned 33 years old and am hoping to get pregnant sometime this year. Thanks so much for any advice you have. I’m not usually much of a planner, but for some reason I can’t stop thinking about my future family.
Thanks so much!
Laurie
Hi Laurie, thanks for your kind words, I’m always hopeful that I’m helping, so thank you
If you’re reasonably healthy and scar tissue hasn’t been an issue in the past and your doctor doesn’t see anything unusual after a third, you should be OK, there are certainly many women who have had at least 4 c-sections and they’ve been fine.
The problem with scar tissue though is it often becomes a problem in later years, the adhesions can adhere to other organs causing pain and other complications.
Don’t read a whole lot into it. I’m always hesitant to say too much because I don’t want to scare women but a good dose of caution is always good and I think and you’re asking the right questions. There’s just no cut and dry answer, every woman is different and every outcome is different.
My best advice is to keep the communication lines open with your doctor, stay aware of the concern but don’t let it paralyze you and I think you will fine
Many blessings for you and your family.
I have 5 children. My first 3 were delivered naturally my last 2 were c-sections because of the babies being breech. I am now pregnant with my 6th and it is so important to me to deliver natural. What are my chances at having a successful vbac? My due date is sept 29, 2010. It will be 3 years since my last c-section and i really don’t want another one.
Hi Stacey, the success rate for VBAC is approximately 60–80% and it can be higher if you’ve had a vaginal delivery before your c-section, which you have.
Also the fact that your last c-section will have been 3 years is another plus. The tough part is finding a doctor that is willing to perform a VBAC, so many of them are against it. Try checking with ICAN and see if they have advice for you on finding the right doctor. But from what you are telling me, you may be a good candidate.
Good luck, let me know how it goes, I’d be interested in knowing
I have had c-sections with all 3 of my kids (2 horizontal c-sections and 1 vertical c-section), my husband and I are wanting to have another baby. I also have type 1 diabetes, could you tell me what my risks are? I want to be here to take care my family I have now, but I would not feel complete without having 1 more baby!
Thanks
Having had 3 c-sections already almost guarantees that your next child with also be a c-section. Your biggest risk is scar tissue but it might not even be an issue at all it just depends on the individual. As long as your diabetes in under control you should be ok, but check with your doctor. Sometimes with diabetes you don’t heal as fast. How long have you had diabetes, was it a problem with your other births?
I have had diabetes for 21 years, and I haven’t had any problems with my diabetes with any of my births. All three of my kids were over 9lbs.
I have four children(15, 13, 12, 2) all four were delivered by C-section. I was scared my entire last pregnancy. I felt I was going to die but it was the easiest of the four. I don’t plan on having anymore children since I have 2 girls and 2 boys. I did not have any complications. My doctor tried to convince me to have an abortion due to the risk( some kind of a doctor)
Hi my name is falak and i am from Pakistan. I have had 3 c sections, the last one was almost 4 years ago 30th Nov 2006. The scar thickness is 5mm and i am going through my 38th week. The doctor has given 9th march whereas the ultrasound shows 17th as the date of c section. I am a bit confused and nervous. Just wanted to know whether everything would work out fine or will there be some complications.
Hi Falak, don’t be too nervous, since you’ve had 3 previous c-sections your doctor does not want you to go into labor so I suspect that is why he has scheduled it a week or so in advance. If your overall health is good and you have not had any problems all indications point to you being fine. Since you’ve made it to your 38th week that is good, it’s better for the baby to get as close to 40 weeks as you can. Sit tight, there shouldn’t be any complications if all has gone well so far. My best wishes are with you
Hello, I have 4 children and they were all delivered by c-section. My first was in Sept 2001, second was Dec 2006, third was in Aug 2008 and my last was Sept 2009. I have just found out I’m pregnant with my 5th child and not sure what to do. With my last c-section my doctor told me that my uterus was really thin and I probably shouldn’t have anymore but if I did to wait awhile to heal. But as you can see my youngest is only 6months. I’m nervous and would like to get some kind of advice as to whats best for me.