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Childbirth/Multiple C-section

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Expert: - 3/18/2010


Question
I 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

Answer
Hi 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

Childbirth

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Dorothy H, LCCE

Expertise

As a certified childbirth educator and birth doula, I can answer questions dealing with preparing for birth, childbirth classes, pregnancy, what happens during labor and birth, doulas, VBAC, natural childbirth, cesarean birth, interventions in labor, labor, birth, helping someone through labor, concerns or fears about labor and birth, doulas, breastfeeding, and other topics dealing with pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Experience

Since 2004, I have taught childbirth education classes focused on helping couples gain confidence, make decisions for their birth, and give them tools for helping them get the birth they want. Since 2004, I have also attended births in local hospitals as a birth doula (as of 8/10, I have attended 120 births) so I am able to see firsthand what is working in helping couples deal with labor. I am also a mom of five children, and have various birth experiences myself, including unmedicated birth and a cesarean.

Organizations
Lamaze International DONA International

Publications
International Doula Magazine

Education/Credentials
I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator. I am a DONA-certified birth doula.

Past/Present Clients
I work with approximately 4-6 couples a month with my childbirth classes. I attend 2 births a month with doula clients.

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