If you have had 3 Cesarean Sections...

[SomeSunnySunday]

Come and tell me that number 3 was fine!

I had DC1 by EMCS, DC2 by ELCS and am now almost 13 weeks with DC3. I've googled a bit and am getting in a panic about the risks of a third section (although there is absolutely no question of me attempting a VBAC), so I'm just looking for reassurance.

[janesxx]

ive had one c-section and not sure what to do for second baby but.. one of my cousins has had SIX yes SIX c-sections and is completely fine (the doctors demanded she got her tubes tied after no6 though)

[Molotov]

Yeah sunny, its Dr. Google who put The Fear in me!

I just need to decide whether to ttc. I've been hesitating since January and it's just doing my head in now (not to mention poor dh).

Good luck to you x

[SomeSunnySunday]

PS Balloon Slayer that is interesting about in being an entirely new scar - I had no idea!

[SomeSunnySunday]

Thank you for all of the reassurance.

There are no risks, Moltova. None whatsoever .

In all seriousness, placenta praevia and placenta accreta are my main source of google-induced worry. Incidence seems low, but I do vaguely know someone who had placenta accreta with her 4th baby (after 3 sections) and it was a bit hairy (she and baby were fine, ultimately). At my dating scan the sonographer mentioned that the placenta is "towards the front" but that they'd know more at 20 weeks (so obviously I turned to google searching for disaster scenarios).

[BalloonSlayer]

I think with subsequent ones you know what to expect, and that helps.

In some ways I found the emergency one easier to have because I was in labour already. With the two electives it felt weird to walk into an operating theatre knowing I was about to have a baby - it felt sort of fake (not that I cared all that much). Not being able to eat all morning then having baby at 12.30 is not ideal for a 9 months pregnant woman. And having an epidural put in when you are in labour is like a kiss from an angel - it's rather odd when you were not in any pain to start with.

[Molotov]

So, what exactly are the differences in experiences between 1st and subsequent CSs?

I had such a good recovery, I don't really understand why I'm so jittery about going through it again. I keep replaying having my pre-op appointment; my BP check on the morning of the birth; feeling so helpless and vulnerable for the first few days. A weird, burn sensation around my wound that I had for a couple of days when I sat or stood. Yet I remember brushing all that off at the time.

I was sooooooooo happpppyyyyyy to have my baby.

Oddly, those thoughts are overriding being pg and holding that beautiful newborn (and also a very strong urge to become pg every time dh is near me). And I think I would like to have one more baby; to have 3 children. Just one more.

If only DH could give birth!

Sorry for the slight hijack, OP. I think what I'm asking/talking about is relevant, though

[BalloonSlayer]

They cut the old scar completely out ( someone upthread mentioned scar ) so you get a brand new one, not one on top of another on top of another.

< sexist interlude > My 3rd was done by a lady surgeon who made a fab job of the sewing up and it was the best scar out of the three. Just as well because it's the one I am having to keep.

[BalloonSlayer]

No probs for me - and no one suggested it even might be.

All mine were the same, easy/quick recovery. First probably the worst because it was EMCS and I was tired from labour, the c-section experience was new, and I had never had a baby before, but still it was fine.

[Valsoldknickers]

I have had more than 3. The first was the worst for me. The others were all much easier. Good luck.

[Ledkr]

I've had four!! I posted on here worried too but I was fine, great recovery no real pain. Dr said probably had no nerve endings left ha ha

[Molotov]

Great thread, thank-you OP and those who've answered.

I had my second baby by (my first) ELCS 2 years ago. I had a great experience - op went well, delivered a healthy baby, no healing issues for me.

But we're thinking about having one more baby and I'm worried about the risks associated with already having had one cs (higher incidence of placenta praevia or accreta). The recovery with having 3 kids to look after.

I'm worrying unnecessarily, but honestly, it is the main reason stopping us ttc #3 atm.

[utterlyconflicted]

It's ok to be thinking about it. That's how we get prepared. Just try not to get yourself worked up. ;0)

Good luck

[SomeSunnySunday]

Thank you everyone. I had a bad experience with my EMCS, and a good one with my ELCS, but I'm just wary now. I don't mind about slower recovery or longer operating time, I'm really worried about something going catastrophically wrong, but I think I just need to calm down, and forget about it for a few months! It's lovely to know that lots of people have no problems.

[Vajazzler]

My 5th was the easiest recovery. 3rd was fine. 2nd was a bloody nightmare.

[lostlalaloopsy]

I'm having my 3rd section at the end if August after 2 emcs. Beginning to panic a bit about it, seems silky when I've had 2 already so glad to see this thread.

[utterlyconflicted]

My third felt fine and by day 3 i was itching to get home as i was on top of feeding etc. Then i got home and realised that i should have stayed another night or two in a bed that moved up and down. I was rather stuck for a couple of days and had very limited movement though i then recovered quickly.

However, i don't regret it at all. (Emergency, emergency, elective)

[ashtrayheart]

I've had 4, no problems with any of them.

[StealthPolarBear]

What in particular are you worried abojt? Just wondering if there's anything practical you can do to alleviate any risks? How was your second section?

[Daveface]

Following

[AlarmOnSnooze]

3 here too. All fine. Recovery was a little harder for me than number 1 or 2 bit think that was due
To haing 2 other children to look after as well, and the fact I was not as young as I once was (dc3 was a surprise baby after a reasonable gap...)

[anchovies]

My third was also my easiest recovery - I think knowing exactly what to expect helped, as well the knowledge that staying snuggled either in bed or in the bath with my newborn was the best possible way to spend two weeks with my newborn!

[DoYouKnowTheMuffinMan]

I've had 3 too (Elective, emergency then another elective) and it went fine
My scars still no bigger than it was when I had my first and is still very neat. Recovered fine too. Good luck!

[utterlyconflicted]

3 here. Operation went fine, though there was blood in my urine for a couple of days which indicated scarring on my bladder. No problems with that since though (3 years ago). About 3 months later I helped a heavy 8 year old climb into my boot and felt something give. It was vaguely uncomfortable for a couple of months after that.

[MaryAnnTheDasher]

I've got my third booked in for 12 day's time and had the fear of God put in me when i did the forms the other day. I saw a trainee doc (as usual..) and most scary was him saying if i went in to labour before the date i could even give birth naturally. I was told by the surgeon straight after number 2 if i were ever to have no. 3 I'd have to have cesarean due to alot of scarring. Why this couldn't be put in my notes i do not know cos now i feel like I'm pushing for an op that's not necessary even though i know I'm not! Rant over ??

[bluesolveig]

I've had 4 - number 3 was fine (as was number 4)