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Childbirth/raptured scar after c-section

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Expert: - 10/20/2008


Question
Dear Sirs,
I was wandering if you could help us and provide any information regarding scar raptures and possible future pregnancies.

I have 2 year old daughter born in emergency cesarean. In August 2008 I had second child - a baby girl who died at the child birth. The cause of death is uknown yet. Due to my pain which worsen by a day they found out that the scar raptured and bled. I was quite unwell for 4 weeks.

As I would like to get pregnant again I was wondering if there are any danger because the scar has raptured and the wall might be thinner.

The doctors from the hospital I was giving birth said it is perfectly OK to get pregnant immediately but other gynecologist said absolutely no way“ that I’m risking baby’s and mine life as the wall of the uterus is thin to carry the weight throughout the whole pregnancy.

Can you please be so kind and provide us with any information you might have on the similar cases with woman having raptured scars and wanting to get pregnant again.

Thank you very much for any information.

With regards,
Pavlina

Answer
Pavlina,

First of all, I'm so sorry for your loss.  It sounds like you experienced a uterine rupture, where the scar from the initial cesarean opened during labor.  This is a serious complication and could have caused the baby to be deprived of oxygen and led to her death.

I would caution you not to become pregnant right away.  A uterine rupture is mostly likely to occur when pregnancies are less than 18-24 months apart.  You are at a much greater risk of experiencing a uterine rupture during your next pregnancy.

It may be possible to have more children after a uterine rupture, however, the risks will be much greater than another rupture could occur, as the uterine wall can be much thinner and weaker near the scar.  Without knowing more of your history, I can't advise you either way, but know that your odds of it occurring again increase the less time you wait between pregnancies.  I personally don't know of anyone who experienced a uterine rupture and then went on to have more children.


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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