Emergency caesarian

[sarah00001]

Hi, I had my first baby last Monday. I planned to have a vaginal birth but unfortunately my cervix wasn't dilating quickly enough; meconium was found in my waters, plus my baby was lying with her back to mine, so I was told I needed an emergency C-section.

I'm just wondering now whether having a C-section might affect any future pregnancies. I read that it can cause problems with the placenta in future pregnancies and wondered how much of a risk this was.

Thanks, Sarah

There is a risk of the new placenta attaching to the scar site although I believe it's quite a small risk that even if it does happen to attach to the same site, that it will cause a problem. I have many friends who've had successful pregnancies after a Caesarian. Are you still seeing your midwife? Have a chat with her, she'll be able to reassure you.

The main thing you need to be aware of AFAIK (speaking from personal experience but not a medic) is that if you want to go for a VBAC next time, then induction is normally contraindicated because it raises the very small risk of scar rupture to unacceptable levels.

At least a quarter of women have CS with their first labour, and the overwhelming majority have no problems with subsequent pgs. The actual births require a bit more care but still, both trouble free VBAC and ELCS are relatively routine occurrences.

I had an emcs with my first baby. Tried VBAC with my second but had a uterine rupture, haemorrhage and crash section. This is very rare though! I think it was to do with dilating very quickly (2-10 cm in 2 hrs). Don't let a cs put you off future pregnancies, but be prepared to be consultant led.,

Thanks everyone for your replies xxx