Pregnancy after a c-section?

Question

I know they say that you should wait 12 to 18 months to become pregnant after a c-section. What are the risks of becoming pregnant 6 months after a c-section? Or even sooner. Has anyone done this, and what was your experience?

Answer 1

I never heard that, I got pregnant 12 months after.

Answer 2

My friend wasnt quite that fast but she got pregnant with the second 9 months after the first. The main downfall for her was that she wanted a VBAC but wasn't allowed one by the surgeon as it was too risky since she didnt wait long enough

Answer 3

The reason they say to wait is to give the uterine incision adequate time to heal completely. If you get pregnant before the recommended healing time is complete, there is an increased risk for uterine rupture as the uterus grows with the 2nd pregnancy.

Also if you want to attempt a VBAC, most doctors will definitely not allow you to until there has been enough time between the two pregnancies, because otherwise uterine rupture would be a higher possibility during labor and delivery of your 2nd child.

I am not sure if there are other risks but I know uterine rupture is the main one. This is probably a good issue to speak with your doctor about, as they can advise you on the specifics.

As far as my personal experience - I got pregnant with #2 about 10 months after my c-section with number 1. I have not had any problems related to this, although I have to have a repeat c-section due to the closeness of my pregnancies.

Good luck!