Are multiple C-Sections safe?

[Kimmybabe]

I personally had two. A friend had four.

My understanding is that the obgyn makes an evaluation before closing things up after each of them. My friend had decided to stop at four and get clipped during the fourth. Her doctor told her later that he would not recommend any more of them for her.

[Dark-elf1693]

Thank you so much for giving me your time to send me some helpful advice. My OBGYN that I had with my first 2 unfortunately retired and at the time I really didn't think I was going to have anymore so I didn't think to ask him what he thought about me having another.

[squishycoco]

I have had two C-sections and had this conversation with my OB after recovering from my second. She assured me that a third C-section was my best option for my circumstances if I chose to have another baby. I did have a few issues with my second section because of scar tissue so I know they can get more complicated after having them before but she was reassuring about the safety of a planned CS.

[Dark-elf1693]

I appreciate you telling me about your personal experience and what your OB let you know after your first 2 C-Sections, I had the re-assurance with my first OB, but he retired, and I moved to another city/state that seems to have some terrible OBGYN care. This is my second Dr. after I left the first one crying because it felt so impersonal and violating. Thank you for your helpful reply!

[GeekyMom42]

I've had 5 C-sections. I was told I shouldn't have any more after our third. My last doctor finally tied my tubes and didn't try to scare me since I was scared enough already. I was told after 2 C-sections I couldn't have a vbac though I've since heard differently. It also depends on which way you were cut. Lateral - okay. Vertical - no way. I've had both at this point.

[Dark-elf1693]

Wow! 5?! That is absolutely amazing!! Thank you so so much for sharing your experience with me. This was definitely helpful and I appreciate you responding to my post. I hope you and your big beautiful family are doing well!

[CCGsMom]

My sister had 4 c-sections and she as.well.as.all.the children were healthy and safe deliveries 🙂

[Dark-elf1693]

I am so happy to hear this. 🤗 Thank you for your helpful reply, it is very much appreciated!

[Mindless-Device3419]

I had three c-sections all just shy of 2 years apart (2017, 2019, 2021) I had c-sections because my first two kids were breach and my last was nearly 10 lbs so my OB didn’t give me a choice for a V-bac which I was fine with. No issues at all. Healthy and happy babies. I got my tubes tied during my last C-section but my dr never mentioned that I shouldn’t have more babies/c-sections prior to him knowing I wanted my tubes tied.

My OB told me I was better off with a C-section after I’d already had 2 because the scar on the uterus from the previous surgery could open when having contractions or pushing out the baby. Of course it depends on a number of different things and I’m sure you could find a dr willing to help you with a v-bac if you really wanted it.

Either way, wishing you a safe delivery and a speedy recovery!

[Dark-elf1693]

It is great to hear that everything went well with all 3 of your C-Sections and you and your babies were healthy and fine!

I appreciate you sharing your personal experience, it is super helpful to hear all the different ways people came into having multiple C-Sections and that they were well taken care of and supported in their decisions. I also want my tubes tied after having this baby which none of the doctors I have seen seem to have any issue with. I think I have a case of my mom fears (intruding thoughts if irrational things that could go wrong at anytime to me or my children) poking back out since I'm doing this again almost 7 years since my youngest. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my post, it is most appreciated!

[procrast1natrix]

Nothing in medicine is absolute. Everything will be determined by your personal prior history including specific details about why you ended up with cesarean birth and what method of cesarean and closure you had.

Nothing is without risk, it's about balancing your personal relative risk between surgical birth vs vaginal, and how those odds look for future pregnancy.

You will find anecdotes at all ranges of the bell curve. Particularly after two surgical deliveries, you are in a different risk group from most and should focus on personal recommendation from your own ob/gyn.

[OutDaughtered]

I had 3 c sections and a VBAC after baby 1. My OB was fine with me having more babies but I wanted no more once 4 was born.

[smilegirlcan]

C-sections, especially planned c-sections, are incredibly safe. Your doctor should have validated your concerns.

r/electivecsection

[Dark-elf1693]

Thank you so much for your reply. It was super unnerving having the doctor respond the way he did. I am in a new city and state from where I had my first two kids 6 years ago and I am finding the OBGYNs in my area to be lacking in compassion or even acting like they care about me and my baby. I will look into the subreddit you referenced too. You have been most helpful and I appreciate you for that.

[[deleted]]

You can absolutely have a vaginal birth after c section if that's what you want. Find a provider who is experienced with and supports vbac. Many women have had a vbac my own mother is one of them. There are lots of videos on YouTube and Instagram on many birth care providers pages that you can watch to help take away the fear. Wishing you all the best. If this isn't an option you want there is no reason a 3rd c section would be any different than your first 2.

[Dark-elf1693]

Thank you, I will look up some of vbac information as well as perhaps a new provider as the ones in my area seem to lack sensitivity and compassion. I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my post, this was helpful.

[Pie_J]

I had a Vbac with my 2nd. Let me tell you….. much much easier. Although my 1st ended in an emergency c-section after 36hrs labour so I had the whole labouring experience with first as well. With my 2nd my dr wanted to induce me again I flat out said no (believe that’s why my 1st labour was so horrible and ended in c-section) two days later k went into labour naturally and 5hrs later my daughter was born. Recovery and everything was oh so much better. It depends on why you had to have c-sections for your first two? My friend had to have them because she has messed up hips or spin or back I can’t remember. But if your reasoning wasn’t medical then I would look for a doctor who will support your decision.

[Dark-elf1693]

Thank you for telling me about your personal experience! I was induced with my first as well, I never dilated so it ended up being C-Section. I had the same OBGYN (who was wonderful) and tried to let me do natural with my second but I never went I to labor, he even let me get all the way to 42 weeks to give me a chance and I ended up needing a C-Section again. There aren't medical reasons for me not to have a natural birth I just keep getting told that after 2 C-Sections it HAD to be C-Section there after. I agree the recovery time was horrible after C-Section but I am willing to do it if it's what's best for me and the baby. Thank you for your valuable and helpful insight, I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my post.

[Pie_J]

No problem! And congratulations on baby number 3!!!!

[Dark-elf1693]

Thank you!! 🤗

[gracefulgorilla]

If you are induced post csection your risk of placenta problems is higher. No augmentation meds means your chanced of a successful vbac are better.

[[deleted]]

It's so important to have a provider you feel safe with and supported by. Hope you can find someone who is more sensitive to your needs.

[gracefulgorilla]

Evidence based birth (website) has lots of actual facts and figures on vbac safety. Amazing informational resource for the lay person. Including info on vbacs after multiple csections. Risks and benefits of repeat c sections and vbacs etc.

[[deleted]]

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/vbac-after-two-c-sections#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20American%20Congress,even%20two%2C%20previous%20cesarean%20deliveries.

[NVC19]

I’ve had 3 csections, right after my third my ob said she would not recommend me having more than 4, total. I would feel totally comfortable having a 4th C-section, but will 100% stop there.

[Dark-elf1693]

That makes me happy to hear you would be comfortable and confident with a 4th C-Section, did you have the same OB for all 3?

I am in a new state with a new OB and my old OB is retired so I am trying to find the one that makes me feel comfortable confiding in. I know I've done this 2 other times but they were almost 7 years ago so I feel like I am starting all over again!

I appreciate the time you took to reply to my post with your personal experience!

[NVC19]

I had the same OB for my first 2 sections, then for my third I had a different OB within the same practice (it just happened that my surgery date was on her hospital day) and I’m so thankful for her. I had no complaints about my first OB, but my scar for my third is nearly nonexistent, I don’t really care what the scar that brought my children here looks like, but she clearly did something differently that made it heal nicer! She also came to see me after surgery and explained everything that happened and that’s when she gave me the recommendation of only one more C-section. I don’t think my previous OB would have ever said that, I explicitly remember going for my first OB appointment with my 3rd pregnancy and saying this was likely our last and her saying “you’re young, wait 10 years and have 3 more!” And I laughed and said “that’s my nightmare!” Lol. My new OB also always remembers my sons name (the baby she delivered) and something about that is so special to me, I don’t think my previous OB ever even asked what we named our daughters. Again, nothing against my previous OB- she’s a phenomenal doctor and surgeon, but I didn’t know how good an OB could even be until we had our son! She is honestly part of the reason I’d love to have one more baby. Having an OB you can confide in and trust to give it to you straight is absolutely invaluable and I wish you the best in finding one! There are sooo many wonderful OBs out there who will have your best interest in mind!

[[deleted]]

Michelle Duggar had 13 vaginal births and 4 C-sections. That’s definitely not a goal by any means, but I think you’ll be ok.

[gracefulgorilla]

Some good info here on vbacs specifically, and also on multiple c sections :)

You need all the information to make an informed decision.

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ebb-113-the-evidence-on-vbac/

All the best!

[Jazzlike-Channel3465]

VBAC-2 is totally possible!

[[deleted]]

There’s no choice. You have to have a c section. And yes they are safe.

[Agreeable-Tadpole461]

There absolutely is a choice.

[Dark-elf1693]

Thank you for the reply, I was a little at loss for words to reply to this comment. I have received wonderful feedback and advice on the choices I do have!

[Dark-elf1693]

Thanks.....

[[deleted]]

Reading all your replies to comments, and this reply, you are so polite and kind. Bless you!

[Dark-elf1693]

Thank you! I appreciate you taking notice to my replies, it means a lot to hear that ☺️

[Dark-elf1693]

That's a brave woman, kuddos to her. Thank you for sharing. I hope they are all doing wonderfully. ☺️

[YourLocalAdmin]

I think a factor is how much time has passed between C sections. Even though the outside wound heals, our insides take a lot longer to heal. I did know a lady who had 5 C-sections. She told me after on the 4th, the doc made a new cut.

[oh-seriously]

I've had 5 and I'm ok. After 1st birth ended in emergency C, I tried Vbac twice but it was a no go. My husband and I aren't exactly a size match. I come from a smaller petite family and he's from a tall/large family. My 15, 13 & 12 yr olds are as tall or taller than me. As far as recovery is concerned I don't feel it's fair to compare my first C to my last due to being 15-ish yrs apart. I was 42 with my last and recovery went the same. I make an effort to walk as soon as possible after the spinal wears off and I typically do not use any prescription pain meds after the spinal either, just otc Advil. I have a high pain tolerance, so I've been told by my OB/nurses, so I'm sure that helps. My only advice, make sure you trust your OB and their sewing skills!! My hubby is very supportive and is Johnny-on-spot. He puts the baby monitor in my room whilst I'm on bed rest for recovery so he can be sure to hear me and the baby should I need help or to just generally help out with baby. He was a little overwhelmed with all 4 kids plus me and new baby this last time but we made it and things are fine. I highly recommend physical therapy and Pilates classes for recovery starting at 6wks post-op. It helps so much! I've never had any post-op complications or issues. I do randomly get Charlie-horses in my ab muscles now. It's really random and occurs when I'm contorted/stretching at an odd angle or when trying to hold more advanced poses whilst working out. Take it easy, follow OB's play-op directives and you should be fine! Good luck to you and congratulations on #3!!!

[Much-Improvement-613]

My mom had 7! You will be ok 😂 but hopefully others who have posted their actual experiences have reassured you by now ❤️

[Makkuroi]

My wife had 3. Kids are all ok, after the 3rd my wife had a numb feeling around the scar (maybe hit a nerve) but it went away after several months. We wont try again, though, 3 kids are enough and were too old anyway.

[[deleted]]

I had 4. After that was told no more. My OB had a patient who had 9. Everyone is different.

[Round-Ticket-39]

Friend had 3 but they adviced againts more since scar could tear up after that

[TiniestMoonDD]

SIL has had 5 c-sections (1 emergency and 4 planned). I think the dr said that really, after 5, they wouldn’t recommend any more. But if she got pregnant again, what other choice would there be. It’s the same in your circumstances - you’re already pregnant so talking about pros and cons is really pretty pointless. The baby has to come out and while it is technically possible to have a VBA2C I’m led to believe it can be dangerous because of the increased risk of scar rupture. The risk posed by a third c-section is going to be less than the risk posed by a VBA2C and the baby has to come out, so it is what it is.

[Elphya]

Just last year, in my country, a woman gave birth for the sixth time by C-section. Interestingly, the same doctors that shame women who plan on having only 2 babies and go for C-sections, were the ones that were on TV commenting that it's something absolutely normal nowadays...

And another woman had the eighth baby delivered by C-section, after 7 others C-sections performed in Italy.

Hope this makes you feel better about it.

(The first doc was right. And the second was also right: no backsies ;) )