AIBU advice on pregnancy after c section

[christmasid2]

had a section dec 2015
want to get pg again, how long are you meant to wait?? (couldn't find this on nhs website)
any other advice on how to deal with second pg and then newborn with c section scar, my first child and not much help! (i'm single)

[FirstTimerAtBeingAMummy]

I had a c section in April for my first child and the advice I was given by the dr was to wait for a minimum of one year but ideally two. But he was quick to clarify that this was a recommendation and that if I wanted to I could get pregnant again at anytime.

[Amalfimamma]

I was told to wait 18 months to two years after EMCS and to get checked out by OBGYN before TTC.

I waited 3 months and DC are a year apart. Both born with EMCS.. your first is 9 months now and will be 16/17 months when no 2 arrives Right? It may be too early for a VBAC but you'd need to consult with your doctor on that. Otherwise ask friends for help. Who will have DC1 when you're in hospital with DC2? Could they give you a hand for a While? Nursery?

Many find the second CSA scar and recovery more painful and harder to get over. I honestly found it easier as I knew what to expect and how to cope with it (ie ask for as much pain relief as possibile in the hospital and no funny movements at home).

It's doable christmas, just breath and Relax!

And congratulations

[GraciesMansion]

Yes, I was advised two years too. However I have heard of lots of women who have closer pregnancies and sections than that.

[christmasid2]

Amalfi, I wish congrats were in order but i'm not actually pg yet :-D

second will be planned c section too
I have ppl to look after first child whilst i'm in hospital

the timeframes you've both given, was that the time between section and conception, or section and the next birth? I've had tests and I know my fertility is running out so I need to get a move on.

I didn't find the pain an issue at all...sometimes it was a bit annoying...what I found an issue was not being able to do certain things without prolonging the recovery. I'm worried about being able to look after my child whilst pg and recovering, picking them up etc. At the moment they are very mobile but hardly progressing vocally, that's nothing unusual at their age but in terms of a second child, it would be really useful to be able to communicate with the first!!! Haven't had time to do baby sign, really hectic life with other things going on.

[wobblywonderwoman]

I had two sections within 14 months but dh took a month leave. Toddler didn't walk until 23 months so it was tough going for a while.

If you are single it will be that bit harder but you will need help for at least a fortnight

[Amalfimamma]

christmasid2

I completely understand. My 2 are a year apart and both sections. The OBGYN did measure my cervix every month withDC2 and I did have a shortened cervix from 20weeks.so therefore complete rest and couldn't pick up DC1.

18 months now and doesn't want to be picked up. Just comes in for hugs now and again during the day and runs back to play.. as for communicating, don't worry even if DC1 isn't speaking when DC2 is born they'll let you know what they want and understand what you say to them.

It's hard work I'll not lie as I only have DH and elderly MIL to help (my family is all in Ireland) but to have them so close together, with no jealousy between them, is the best thing in the world

And I'd do it again another million times!

[SparklyLeprechaun]

I remember being told to wait for 1 year. Mine were born 2 years apart, both c sections, no issues during pregnancy and I physically recovered easier after the second one (got out of bed as soon as I woke up) - although afterwards I developed a wound infection that made it tricky, but that was just my stupid luck. You will definitely need help for at least a couple of weeks, I couldn't have, for example, lifted my toddler into the bath, let alone drive, so for a while I was pretty much dependent on DH. It's not easy but it's really only for a few weeks you need help, if you can get paid help in that would be great. BTW, my toddler wasn't speaking when I had my second child (v late developer) but I didn't find that an issue, at that age they can be either angels or little terrors regardless of their speech ability.

[WicksEnd]

I had an emergency c section with ds1 then had ds2 20 months later. I was never advised about waiting and didn't know you should!
Ds2 was also born by c section, can't remember the recovery being any different the second time around, although, on reflection, with two, 20 months apart, I can't remember much at all

[SanityAssassin]

Mine are both ELCS (my preference so no medical issues) 15 months apart - absolutely fine (and I am an older mother) back out running 5 weeks later.

[elliejjtiny]

My DC's 4 and 5 were C-section births, born 12 months apart. Drs weren't concerned about the gap at all. I found not being able to pick up my older dc very frustrating. I had help for 8 weeks after both my C-sections which was needed both times. I had 10 days help with dc2 and 2.5 weeks help with dc3 (both VB's) and was fine though.

[christmasid2]

thanks all for your input
I think I might buy one of those "grow your own butler" kits :-D

[septembersunshine]

I have had 4 sections. I had the

[septembersunshine]

Posted too soon damn phone! I had the first emergency section. Had the second section 2 years after that (So got pg when first baby was about 17 months). Then had third section 16 months after 2nd. Last section 6 years later! Found recovery time about 3 weeks to feel myself again but I heal quickly and i think it depends on the person. Might also add we had no help with kids during section recovery time but it was honestly fine, when you are in the moment you just get on with it don't you?

[AnnaT45]

I've just had my second c section 19 months after first. My dr told me after the first to wait at least a year to get pregnant but ideally two. I was pregnant after 10 months due to a contraception fail. Everything was fine and no issues at all. Recovery much easier this time as planned section. The hardest part is those first few weeks with a toddler so just get lots of support to help you. Good luck!

[JoandMax]

Had sections 20 months apart, no issues at all. My 2nd was a lot easier to recover from as it was planned, DH was home for 2 weeks then my mum stayed for a few days but by then I was fine really so we had nice days out! The first had been after 2 long days in labour and had a pph after so transfusion etc and it took me a good 6 weeks to feel ok.

[FFTransform]

I conceived just over a year after my first section all ok and a second section went fine

For both I definitely needed practical help ( your not supposed to lift anything heavier than a carton of milk in the beginning so dc1 is out of the question)

Also if you are doing it alone plan some help in the month before pregnancy - apart from lifting the older one I found it much easier with a newborn and toddler post birth, than being massively pregnant and knackered with a toddler . . .

[FFTransform]

you're not your!

[justilou]

If your health is robust and you are ready and want another - why not try? I had four miscarriages after 1st c-section which were probably more to do with undiagnosed coeliac disease and resulting anaemia than anything else. When you have a wee baby or a toddler it's really easy to assume that they are the reason you're tired. Maybe check your bloods before you ttc and make sure you're giving you and the new baby the best possible start.

[SnugglySnerd]

I am pregnant 2 and a half years after EMCS. I have to say that my scar has been quite painful so far, feels like it's being pulled. I am only 12 weeks so expecting it to get worse. Midwife isn't worried about it though, it shouldn't cause any damage.

[crazybaabaa]

I had an EMCS with DD then 16 months later a planned section with DS, all was fine