3rd C section

[Mesbee]

i was hoping you could share your experiences with me. I have two DCs ages 7 and 4 and am due to have my 3rd baby in 2 weeks time. My first birth was induced which resulted in an emergency c section under general anaesthetic (which was about as much fun as it sounds). My second was a planned C section at 39 weeks which was very straightforward and on the whole, a really positive experience.

My consultant advised a c section again this time and I have agreed. I didn’t dilate very well the first time, and obviously the 2nd time I didn’t go into labour to find out. It’s definitely the safest option for both me and baby, but I can’t help feeling SOOOO nervous about it. I’m not even sure why. I know the risks increase slightly with every C section you have, but I can’t help but worry that something is going to go wrong. I don’t actually know anyone who has had more than 2 so don’t really have anyone to talk to about it. I’ve been so unwell with HG this pregnancy, and really struggled with low energy and feeling generally uncomfortable. So on one hand I just want the time to hurry up and to meet my baby, but on the other hand I am terrified at the thought of the operation. If anyone has any pearls of wisdom or positive stories I would really appreciate them x

I've had 3 sections. I wouldn't say the last was worse than the others but I was advised not to get pregnant again as my scar tissue wouldn't cope.

I've had 2 emergency sections and one planned. When I was getting stitched up, the surgeon looked up and said I hope this is your last!
Honestly, the third one was the best as it was planned and I felt more prepared and knew what was in front of me. I felt no difference in regards to recovery, from the previous two.
Don't be worrying, hope it all goes well x

Do they go through the same scar with a 3rd? (They did last time). I think I’m just overthinking. The consultant didn’t seem concerned when we discussed it at my last appointment, and i didn’t feel like this before my previous one. My eldest two have been quite clingy lately, and are old enough to understand what’s happening so maybe that’s playing on my mind.

I’m glad yours both went well. Hopefully mine will too. We definitely don’t want any more children after this x

It's the same scar, don't worry about that.

I’ve only had 2 c sections and both were fine but I remember the panic and lack of sleep I had before the second! It’s natural to be nervous but I bet
you'll be fine.

I’ve had an emcs following induction and two planned sections. Third one was fine. Exactly the same as the first planned one. Healed fine. Scar slightly less neat by third go but nothing terrible. No one mentioned not going again (but three kids is my personal limit!). It’s natural to fret before surgery and before a big life change for the family but you will be fine. Enjoy your baby!

I’ve had 3 electives. I’m not going to lie, the last one was the worst to recover from but that’s because I was sewn up really badly and got an infection in the scar. It also didn’t help that it was in 2020, during lockdown and they kicked me out 12 hours after surgery (I thought they were joking!)

I’ve spent each pregnancy dreading the birth and walking down to theatre feels like walking to the gallows, but it’s never as bad as you think once you are there.

As I was laying there, the surgeon told me he would be happy to do one more section on me from what he could see of my insides - not a chance, I was 41 and 3 is enough for me!

Hi there I've had 4 sections and all planned my last one was done at 38 weeks though and it was really tough but I have a complicated history with 8 pregnancies in total and loads of d and c's had to have 2 or 3 for each of my miscarriages so by the time I had baby number 4 there was a lot of scar tissue.
But number 3 was fine and I had a good recovery the same as the previous 2.Was up and about by that evening as I was done first. Home on day 3 and no issues after.
My 4th section was my last and I had my tubes tied while I was having it done.
If you want to ask anything just shout best of luck i'm sure it will all work out

Hello! I've had 4 C sections now. I had three, and was advised against another. However, I did become pregnant again accidentally, and so did end up having 4. All were absolutely fine. No problems. The thing with an elective section, is that there is plenty of time, no rush or emergency in the middle of the night. Experienced consultants can be used, as opposed to just whoever is available in an emergency, for example. It's for this reason (I was told) that they usually recommend another section the 3rd or 4th time, instead of trying for a vbac.. So that it can be planned properly with the best people. They just need time to pick through the scarring carefully. Time they might not have if you tried for a vbac, and it ended in an emergency section.

My experiences were great. Successful birth, easy recovery. The consultant told me that a lot of the scarring had been 'tidied up' the 3rd time, and this made the 4th one easier.

Thanks for all of your positive stories. It’s made me feel a bit better 😊

My friend had three. The first was the hardest, as it was an emergency.

Same for me

Yes also had 4..all good...if anything it got easier each time as you know what to expect and how to keep scar from getting infected. Don't worry you would be at a bigger risk of natural birth I think at this stage. All will be fine.

I’ve had 3, 1 emergency, 2 planned. Honestly my third was the easiest to recover from, I left hospital within 24 hours and was walking to the (very close) coffee shop within 2 days. I felt like I could have driven within a week. And I am absolutely not a push through the pain martyr, I think I just had someone who took their time with the stitches!

I’ve had 2 planned c sections. I wasn’t nervous at all for the first but felt how you do about the second. I think it’s quite normal to feel that way.

Im sure all will go well especially if the consultant isn’t concerned.