Multiple C-sections?

brlrcnlove

Hi,
I've had 2 previous c-sections one in 2005 and the second in 2008. I think I could have easily VBAC'd with my 2nd although my doctor didn't discuss the option with me and I was 19, naive, and just figured once you had a c-section it was always a c-section.

Anyway my last c-section was over 5 years ago. I just turned 25 and my husband and I both want one more child before I have my tubal ligation done. I am very nervous about another C. My first two went well, I had some significant blood loss, but not enough to negate a transfusion. My heart rate was also over 100 for the first 24 hours after my second. They kept a heart monitor on me but no treatment was needed. I've heard that your risks go up dramatically after the 2nd C-section and I'm terrified of dying and leaving 3 children without a mother.

I've already spoken to my doctor, she sees no issues with a 3rd...even suggested I could have a 4th. I'm very healthy, had smooth pregnancies, no complications what so ever. She said she would be able to clean up any adhesions during the surgery and tie my tubes at the same time. I want another baby, I feel like my family isn't complete yet I'm terrified. What are my realistic risks during my third C? Since it's been 5 years since my last are my risks for complications/ruptures lower?

Thanks in advance.

mysticl

My understanding is that many doctors advise no more than 3 or 4 c-sections.  With that being said there are women who have had 8 successful c-sections.    Have you only discussed the 3rd C with your doctor or did she talk to you about a VBA2C?  That could be an option for you. I've included a link with some information that you may find helpful.  Not sure how to make it clicky.  

https://givingbirthwithconfidence.org/2-2/a-womans-guide-to-vbac/weighing-the-pros-and-cons/

sytom

I am not of very much help, but I had 3 c-sections, one in 2010, another one in 2011 and the last one in May.  Doctors never seemed worried, but the last two were planned two weeks before my due date.  I'm sorry I'm not familiar with your issues.  Good luck to you!

Richardsmom_817

This is a good question....one I'm interested in...I've had 3 c/s & am looking to *maybe* have a 4th child (did I say that?!)  Yes, maybe I'm crazy.....my question for you....my youngest turned 4 in May, I see your youngest is 5, how do you feel about going back to all things baby & starting over?  My kids are almost 8, 5 & 4.  My last 2 are 14 mos apart.  I almost feel bad this baby wouldn't have a play mate:(

brlrcnlove

Thanks for your response Yes I have spoken with her and she thinks I will have no complications with my pregnancy or delivery, even suggested waiting to tie my tubes in case I wanted a 4th. (no way!) She will not let me try to VBAC after 2 previous C-sections, I could have tried after my 1st and it still haunts me

brlrcnlove

Richardsmom_817:

This is a good question....one I'm interested in...I've had 3 c/s & am looking to *maybe* have a 4th child (did I say that?!)  Yes, maybe I'm crazy.....my question for you....my youngest turned 4 in May, I see your youngest is 5, how do you feel about going back to all things baby & starting over?  My kids are almost 8, 5 & 4.  My last 2 are 14 mos apart.  I almost feel bad this baby wouldn't have a play mate:(

 

 

I am actually excited to go back to all things baby...I think!!! I am almost finished with school, and should be able to start working from home in the next 3 months. I do wonder if this little one would be lonely...my 2 oldest are boys and they are best friends! If I had a girl, (which is what we're trying for) I think it would be ok. If I had another boy my husband and I may consider adopting another child through foster care once the baby was a few years old. I'm actually open to adopting through foster care right now. That way I could guarantee a girl and I wouldn't have to worry about this c-section! However, my husband wants to try for our own baby and if it doesn't happen in 6 months we will look into adoption.

mysticl

brlrcnlove:

Thanks for your response Yes I have spoken with her and she thinks I will have no complications with my pregnancy or delivery, even suggested waiting to tie my tubes in case I wanted a 4th. (no way!) She will not let me try to VBAC after 2 previous C-sections, I could have tried after my 1st and it still haunts me

Do you have to use her?  Does your insurance allow for a different doctor?  One who would work with you?  Look at all your options, including care providers and health care facilities before you make a decision.  

Disneygeek77

I have had three and I think the last one was the easiest.  Not by much, but still easier, mostly because I knew what to expect.  I mean, I suppose I was nervous about something bad happening because I am prone to anxiety, but I figured I was going to be nervous no matter what birthing method I chose.  In fact, having a third c/s eased my nerves a bit because I had been through it twice already. 

I didn't have any complications except for extra scar tissue that my
Dr removed during the surgery.  He even said he didn't see any problems with me having another one which we do plan on doing. 

IMO, talk to your Dr about your fears, but you are young and your body has had plenty of time to heal, so that is all in your favor. 

jenniferdegl

SPAM

MaineMama

jenniferdegl:

First, congratulations on your decision to have another baby.  How exciting! I am writing about my experience with multiple c-sections and please keep in mind that I have no medical training and in most cases, everything works out fine.  I am just on a mission to tell women to be educated about the dangers elective c-sections can have on future pregnancies.  My daughter Joy was born at 23 weekslast year.  Due to modern medicine and prayers she is doing greattoday.  I hemorrhaged at 17 weeks for the first of 4 times because of 100%placenta previa, which turned into placenta accreta (which I believe was causedby 3 prior c-sections). After she came home from 121 days in the NICU, I wrotea memoir called "From Hope To Joy" about my life-threateningpregnancy and my daughter's 4 months in the NICU (with my 3 young sons athome), which will be published in the beginning of August.  It wasquite a roller coaster. My goal of writing our memoir is to give a realistic lookat what lies ahead to families with preemies in the NICU while showing themthat hope can turn into Joy and that miracles can happen. I also want to make women aware that elective c-sections can endanger future pregnancies. It seems like you are talking to your doctor and that you will be informed. Good luck to you. 

Please see my website:

 www.fromhopetojoy.com

 and subscribe.

www.twitter.com/jenniferdegl

www.facebook.com/jenniferdegl

www.youtube.com/fromhopetojoy

 

  Thank you.

Numero Uno- Spammy scammy spam, and reported

Numero Dos- placental adhesions/accretia can happen to anyone at any time. It can happen with your first or your 9th, csections or no. None of the ladies on this board are jumping for joy that we have or have had to deal with major abdominal surgery along with a newborn.

 

To OP- I'm on csection #4, and so far my Dr is comfortable with me having more if I should choose. Good luck in what you do!

HarrietNJMommy

I've had 4 c-sections and no problems. My 4th was my easiest in terms of actual c-section and recovery (and I had a tubal). My first 3 are close in age (3 c-sections in 3 years). They told me that I could have a 5th c-section no problem. It all depends on your body and how you heal.

Oh, and I was 38 when I had my 4th c-section.

GL! 

brlrcnlove

Disneygeek77:

I have had three and I think the last one was the easiest.  Not by much, but still easier, mostly because I knew what to expect.  I mean, I suppose I was nervous about something bad happening because I am prone to anxiety, but I figured I was going to be nervous no matter what birthing method I chose.  In fact, having a third c/s eased my nerves a bit because I had been through it twice already. 

I didn't have any complications except for extra scar tissue that my
Dr removed during the surgery.  He even said he didn't see any problems with me having another one which we do plan on doing. 

IMO, talk to your Dr about your fears, but you are young and your body has had plenty of time to heal, so that is all in your favor. 

 

 

My OB did my first surgery but since I went into labor 2 weeks before my scheduled C the on call doctor for my office did the 2nd. She did not have good bedside manner, did not even tell me when she began to cut. They were pulling so hard that my body was lifted off the table several times. Granted, I'm tiny, 5'1 and 100lbs when I'm not pregnant but still...She never mentioned anything about lots of scar tissue, problems, etc. Just said I did good and congratulations and left. I actually had bruising around my incision from it which makes me wonder if there was significant scarring? I don't think the surgery took any longer than the first. 

That is what makes me kind of question my doctor's laid back attitude about it. Everything I brought up to her she kind of acted like could never happen to me, or that it really didn't happen at all. I'm assuming if there was something significant enough that the other doctor would have told my OB right? I'm sick to my stomach about it, I want another baby so badly but my anxiety level is very high when I think about it.

Disneygeek77

If I were you, I would be a direct and honest with your Dr as possible and say "  Look, last time I had a C-section the other Dr in your practice, Dr so and so, was pulling so hard that my body was lifted off of the table several.  Please don't dismiss what I am telling you or say it never happened.  I was fully awake and I know when my own body was being lifted off of the table.  I also had a lot of bruising around my incision.  I am terrified that the scarring I had was so significant that I wouldn't survive another pregnancy or c/s.  Do you not understand that.  As much as I want another child, my last c/s scared me so much that I am contemplating not having anymore for fear of my own life." 

Then see what her response is. 

nosoup4u

I would look for a doctor who supports VBAC after two CS. ACOG and NIH both support it in most cases.

And I agree with OP, ask point blank about your worries, there has to be an operative report in your records.

brlrcnlove

I guess I should have been more clear, I did discuss the risks of placenta accreta, previa, excessive blood loss etc. with her. She didn't seem that concerned about it and said it is very rare to have those problems be life threatening. She said I'm fit, young (25), and she could easily see me having 4 if I wanted to. I should have been more upfront about the other doctor being so rough and see what her response was. I casually said that the other doctor seemed more rough but didn't directly ask her why this could have been. I wonder if I could ask her that over the phone or if I need to schedule another appointment. Thanks everyone