QuestionI have had two previous c-sections. The first I went through labor, was fully dilated and pushed for 45 min. My doctor used the vacuum to help get my baby out but only the top of her head was showing. He told me later my pelvis was too small to have a vaginal delivery. My second daughter I did not go through labor and had a scheduled c-section. The thing is that they are each a year apart. what are the risks of having three c-sections in three years? Thank you
AnswerHi Melissa,
Most doctors will advise women to wait 18-24 months between pregnancies if the mother had a cesarean, although I am not finding any studies to back that up.
The primary concern with spacing your pregnancies so close together would be increased chance of uterine rupture during your pregnancy (and labor/birth, if you are planning a VBAC). However, I have not seen any studies that confirm that waiting that long decreases that risk. (they may be out there, but I couldn't find them)
Also, each cesarean that you have increases risks to both you and your baby in future pregnancies, which is why many doctors get concerned if a woman is planning multiple cesarean births.
Sincerely,
Dorothy H, LCCE
