AboutBrenda Expertise I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. In addition to that, I am a mother of two, ages 21 and 16, both of which I had hoped would be vaginal deliveries, but ended up being C-Sections... one of which had me in pre-term labor...another which was frank breech (bottom first)... one who rejected the breast... and so on... to list my personal experience would be a bit lengthy! I'd simply like to help anyone who might have a question or concern that I can draw on my expertise to answer!
Experience I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. My experience also includes approximately three years working in Behavioral Services.
Education/Credentials Graduated from the Mary Lanning School of Nursing in May 1988. Have been a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of NE since 1988.
Question I am 26years old and have two children (ages 5 and 19months)at home delivered by cesarean section. I found out when my youngest child was 11months that I was pregnant with my 3rd child. I was 24weeks into my pregnancy when I couldn't feel the baby move anymore. By the time I seen the doctor it was too late. I delivered the third child stillborn via csection also. It has been 3months since the stillbirth and I have had a tough time emotionally with this. The doctor said that the umbilical cord twisted like a twist tie that keeps bread fresh. He said that it was a rare thing and that there was nothing wrong with me or my placenta. I was wondering how long I should wait before trying to get pregnant again. Thanks!
Answer Dear Leslie,
That truly is a rare thing. I know it doesn't make it any easier, but there is just nothing that you could have done to prevent it.
As far as the appropriate time to conceive again -- typically after a pregnancy loss the general recommendation is to wait through at least two normal menstrual cycles before trying to conceive again. This allows for your body to heal and for hormones to return to normal levels.
Now - where you had another C-section, you really want to have a strong, healthy, completely healed uterus to carry a baby again to avoid any chance of uterine rupture. As a general rule after a C-section, you should probably hold off on trying to conceive again for at least 18 months. That may seem like a long time, but you've just had major surgery and you need to let your body recover. For instance, you may be anemic because of the iron transferred to your baby and placenta during the pregnancy, as well as the blood loss you suffered during childbirth. Women who deliver via C-section lose twice as much blood - about two pints on average - as women who deliver vaginally. Studies have also shown that women who conceive less than six months after giving birth may have a higher risk for complications such as a ruptured uterus or a premature or low-birth weight baby.
Talk to your doctor - his/her recommendation may be slightly less than the 18 month guideline, as he/she has seen the condition of your uterus and knows how much scar tissue there is, etc,...
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and will have a good thought for you.
