How Many C-Sections Can You Have: Risks of Repeat C-Sections

The latest research shows that the more cesarean sections you have, the more dangerous subsequent surgeries become for you and your baby. However, circumstances vary from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy and play a role in determining whether the benefits of a repeat cesarean section outweigh the risks.

Risk of repeating part C

C-sections can be life-saving surgery, but like other major surgeries, they also come with risks. As the surgeon cuts through layers of skin, muscles, and organs, scar tissue is left behind. Scarring of a cesarean section can lead to complications for future pregnancies with the uterus, placenta, and abdominal cavity. The more often the incisions are made, the higher the risk of complications.

Risks during pregnancy

After a cesarean section, the risk of placenta previa in subsequent pregnancies increases by 1.5 to six times. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta grows through the opening of the cervix. The more C-sections there are, the higher the risk of placenta previa in subsequent pregnancies.

Other placental complications that can result from previous cesarean deliveries include placental abruption, placental abruption, and placental abruption. All of these complications are collectively referred to as the placenta accretion spectrum. They represent adhesion of the placenta to the uterine wall.

The incidence of placental accretion spectrum has increased significantly since the 1970s when the incidence was 1 in 2,500. More recently, a 2016 study found the rate in the US to be 1 in 272. An increase in risk factors — specifically, a sharp increase in the number of cesarean births over that time period — is likely. is the reason for the dramatic increase in the incidence of the disease.

The risk of placental accretion spectrum increases significantly with the number of previous cesarean deliveries. Risks ranged from 0.3% after one C cut to 6.74% after 5 C cuts.

Uterine rupture occurs in 0.5% of fetuses who have had a previous cesarean section. The risk of rupture is increased with classical cesarean scar, induction of labor or proliferation, larger-than-average fetus, older maternal age, and full-term postpartum. The risk of uterine rupture increases with the number of previous cesarean deliveries.

Risks during delivery

In addition to the risks associated with getting pregnant after a cesarean, the surgery itself carries risks. As with any surgery, there is a risk that the surgeon may accidentally cut and injure surrounding tissues and organs. In particular, there is a risk of damage to the intestines and bladder.

Adhesion is another potential complication of the C-section. Adhesion occurs when the scar tissue that connects tissues and organs is not normally attached.

Adhesives complicate future surgeries by making opening of the uterus more difficult and increasing surgical time. The presence of adhesions was also associated with a greater risk of bladder damage. The adhesion rate increases with subsequent C-sections.

Excessive bleeding is also a risk factor for any surgery, including a cesarean section. Compared with vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery has the highest risk of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

Studies have shown that general anesthesia increases the risk of PPH by three times, but that may be because people with risk factors for PPH are more likely to receive general anesthesia. Other risk factors include anemia, placental abruption, multiple pregnancy, and chorioamnionitis. The risk of heavy bleeding increases with each cesarean section.

Risks after delivery

There is a strong association between incisional hernia repair and previous C-segment resection. The risk of hernia repair increases with the number of caesarean sections a person has. People who have had two or more cesarean births have a three times higher risk than those who have had only one caesarean section. After five cesarean deliveries, the risk increased sixfold.

Scarring of endometriosis can occur after a cesarean section. Researchers have found that it can happen months or even years after surgery, with an average time frame of 30 months. The incidence is 0.03% to 1.7%. The risk is twice as high as for those who give birth vaginally. A prospective study did not show evidence that repeat cesarean delivery increases this risk.

People are five times more likely to form dangerous blood clots during pregnancy. Supplying under Area C doubles that risk.

Surgical site infection is one of the most common complications from cesarean section. The incidence is between 3% and 15%. Wound infections are associated with up to 3% maternal mortality. Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious complication associated with lymph node infection. Necrotizing fasciitis is life-threatening with a mortality rate of up to 50%.

How to reduce the risk

The risk is not absolute. When it comes to assessing the risks associated with a cesarean section, your overall health and pregnancy circumstances need to be considered. If you need a cesarean section, there are sometimes ways to reduce the risk.

The reason for the first Part C

A first cesarean section has its own risks, but it also sets the stage for increased risks for future pregnancies and births. If you’re planning to have more children, it’s important to weigh the risks of a primary cesarean section for future pregnancies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises against C surgery without a medical indication.

If you’ve had a cesarean section before, a repeat cesarean is not your only option. Vaginal delivery after cesarean section (VBAC) is an option for many people in certain circumstances.

Next pregnancy

Pregnant women less than six months after the last cesarean delivery have a greater risk of adverse outcomes. In particular, the risk of uterine rupture is greater in those with shorter intervals between pregnancies. On the other hand, time horizons greater than 5-10 years were also associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes.

Using birth control between pregnancies can help reduce these risks. Talk to your doctor about which birth control options are most ideal for you.

Part repeat time C

Research has found that when someone has had multiple cesarean deliveries, timing the repeat cesarean section can reduce the risk of the disease. Specifically, a 2019 study found that maternal and neonatal morbidity was less frequent at 39 weeks of delivery. ACOG and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend delaying a scheduled cesarean delivery until 39 weeks of gestation.

Vaginal delivery after cesarean section (VBAC)

A trial of labor after a cesarean section (TOLAC) is an attempt to deliver a baby vaginally after a cesarean section. Vaginal delivery after cesarean section is the desired outcome of TOLAC. VBACs are an important option for those who have had a previous cesarean section, as they are associated with reduced maternal morbidity and reduced complications in later pregnancies.

Uterine rupture is the main risk factor associated with VBAC. The risk of uterine rupture for those who have had more than one cesarean section is between 0.9% and 3.7%. Don’t know how that compares to people with only a C part.

The good news is that between 60% and 80% of people who try VBAC have a vaginal birth.

frequently asked Questions

Are people with multiple C-sections more prone to uterine cancer?

Scarring of endometriosis is a risk factor for those who have delivered by cesarean section. Sometimes those scars can have a malignant transformation. The incidence is not well known, but it is thought to be rare.

Do you have a lot of scars from many C surgeries?

Ideally, your doctor will cut through the same scar so you don’t have as many scars on your abdomen and uterus. Sometimes scar tissue can be difficult to cut through, but your doctor can cut through it. However, if they need to get the baby out urgently, they may choose to make another incision to avoid the delay associated with cutting through the scar tissue.

A very good word

If you’re planning on having a repeat cesarean section, you may feel overwhelmed. There’s a lot of information to sort through. The good news is that you probably have options. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and how you can reduce your risk of multiple C-sections. If you’re interested in VBAC, ask your doctor if you’re a good candidate. .