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Sammy592 · 21/06/2017 03:26 Hi I have recently had a little girl, she is just months old. I had to have an emergency c-section. I am breastfeeding her at the moment and I have just found out I am pregnant! Is this safe? I have been told by a few people u need to wait a while before having another baby if u have had a c-section? I'm so scared incase I have to have a termination... I would feel terrible and I'm also worried that if I had to do that it would effect my breastmilk for my current baby? A little light on this would be much appreciated. Xx Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please create an account To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Active Watching Home Search How long should you wait to get pregnant after a C-section? Getting pregnant after having a C-section can be a complicated decision. Knowing when you can start trying, making a VBAC birth plan, and even knowing if you are a good candidate for VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) can be overwhelming. It is understandable to be filled with questions and uncertainty, especially if you want your children to be close in age. So, what is the need-to-know about getting pregnant after having a Cesarean section? Let’s dig in. We will go over all the essentials like pregnancy intervals, how to prepare for your pregnancy, the risks of getting pregnant “too soon,” and how to increase your chances of having a VBAC. When you should get pregnant after a C-sectionMost medical experts recommend waiting anywhere from 6-15 months after having a C-section before getting pregnant again (or 15-24 months between births) to reduce the risk of complications like uterine rupture. There are four published studies that go over these risks, each showing different interval recommendations. Here’s what the research tells us:
These studies suggest that longer intervals between pregnancies MAY decrease the risk for uterine rupture. However, the optimal spacing is yet to be determined as results are conflicting and the sample size in the studies is not big enough to be conclusive. Ultimately, the timeline that is right for you should be based on your unique circumstances and it is best to discuss it with your provider. Planning a pregnancy after C-sectionThere are specific factors to consider when trying to decide when it is best to get pregnant after Cesarean. Some things to think about are:
What are the risks of getting pregnant too soon?Your decision on how long to wait to get pregnant after a C-section should consider the risks of not waiting long enough. Risks of getting pregnant too soon after a Cesarean include the increased risk of uterine rupture, preterm birth, low birth weight, a longer recovery time, and a more difficult pregnancy. Can you get pregnant 1 month after C Section?Yes. While it is possible to conceive much sooner than you might expect, it’s not recommended until at least 6 months after a Cesarean. In fact, fertility can increase temporarily after birth, due to hormonal changes in the body. You can get pregnant as soon as 3 weeks after delivering your first child. However, most experts recommend waiting a minimum of 45 days before having sex and at least 6 months before conceiving another baby. Can you have a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC)?Up to 80% of women who attempt a VBAC will be successful. Here are some factors that make you a good candidate for a VBAC:
ACOG suggests a few things to be contraindications to VBAC including:
Overall, choosing to birth after a Cesarean is a preference-sensitive decision and should be made for your unique circumstances with a provider who aligns with your birth goals. How to increase your chances of a successful VBACIt goes without saying that sometimes, Cesareans are life-saving; I have seen it myself as a doula. However, there are several things you can do to avoid an unnecessary Cesarean and increase the likelihood of having a VBAC. Get educated about VBACThere’s a lot to know besides how long to wait to get pregnant after a C-section. What are the risks? Does hypnobirthing work to ease the process? Know your options, learn as much as you can about the risks of VBAC and repeat Cesarean, and take our VBAC Prep Course. Find your supportHaving a supportive team that knows you and your preferences will make the biggest difference n how your birth unfolds. Start with a VBAC supportive provider, find a VBAC trained doula, and know who in your social circle and family you can lean on to support you on your journey. Trust and honor your intuitionEducation and intuition are such a powerful force when used together. Trust in the things you have learned and tune into your intuition to drive your birth choices. When your head and your heart align, you will know what you need to do. FAQHow long after AC section can you have a VBAC?Depending on the number of C-sections had, medical experts recommend waiting between 6-15 months before getting pregnant again. This makes the suggested period to have a VBAC after a C-section 15-24 months. Waiting that long minimizes the risks of complications. Is it hard to get pregnant after C-section?Generally, you should expect to conceive about as easily as you did the first time. Only rarely is there an increased risk of infertility due to Cesarean. How fertile are you after a C-section?Your fertility is not typically affected by having had a C-section and, most medical experts recommend waiting at least 6 months before trying to conceive. Some may find it harder to conceive based on their incision type. What happens if you get pregnant right after a C-section?If you get pregnant right after having a Cesarean, research suggests that you are 2-3 times more likely to experience a uterine rupture. How long does it take for a Caesarean to heal internally?Typical healing for a Cesarean incision is six months although your whole body takes 12 months before it returns to “normal.” Looking for a doula to help you through your VBAC? Check out our directory of “Doulas Near Me” to find the perfect match in your area. What happens if you get pregnant 3 months after a CResearch shows that getting pregnant less than six months after a C-section can increase your risk of complications, such as ruptured uterus or a low birth weight baby.
What are the chances of getting pregnant 3 months postpartum?Chance of pregnancy is practically zero during the first three months, less than 2% between 3 and 6 months, and about 6% after 6 months (assuming mom's menstrual periods have not yet returned). The average time for the return of menstrual periods is 14.6 months.
How fertile are you after CThe study is in JAMA Network Open. Of the women who delivered by C-section, 68.9 percent conceived, compared with 76.7 percent of women who delivered vaginally.
Does your CMany women develop issues with their c-section scar after their second or third pregnancy. Even if you didn't have pain before your second pregnancy, you might start to develop pain along the lower abdominal region, specifically around your scar, as you get farther along in your pregnancy. This issue is not uncommon.
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