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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Multiple c-sections with complications - need advice please

39 replies

Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 11:41

Good morning, I hope everyone is safe and well !

I am desperate for advice from anyone who has had multiple c sections with complications and still gone ahead with another?

I have been advised that although previous c-sections had complications, and of course there will be risks with a fourth one but they can be managed.

Can anyone please advise of their experiences? We are desperate for a fourth child. Ive hit 40 and have three kids. And I would like to try. At the same time I am scared and worried. Thanks in advance for taking time out to reply. :)

OP posts:
neutraliseacid · 25/02/2021 18:09

No one can answer if you don’t tell us what complications and how serious they were

stairway · 25/02/2021 18:17

I dont know what complications you had. During my last section I got a tear going down so now have a t shaped scar. They said wait for two years before anymore. I’m expecting again. The consultant didn’t seem concerned really. A lot depends on where the placenta attaches as well.

FuzzyTurquoise · 25/02/2021 18:20

I’ve had four c sections. Do you have any specific questions questions?

Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 18:29

@neutraliseacid

No one can answer if you don’t tell us what complications and how serious they were
Hi - sorry I should have added in the original post. My first section, induction full labour tried to deliver but couldn't as had spinal. Ended up emergency c section. Second one induction full labour, tried for natural couldn't deliver him after forceps and suction, 9.5pound baby. Ended up with a c section, lots of adhesions, haemorrhage and 2.1 litre blood loss. 3rd section elective was a dream compared to the others, but took a while getting her out and also post delivery. Was told that bowel was stuck and lots of adhesions.
OP posts:
neutraliseacid · 25/02/2021 18:31

If a consultant has reviewed your previous delivery notes and advised that a 4th section is doable, I’d listen to them! If they’ve advised no more babies due to the adhesions etc, I would REALLY hesitate to get pregnant again

Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 18:31

@FuzzyTurquoise

I’ve had four c sections. Do you have any specific questions questions?
Just worried about the whole thing from pregnancy to deliver to recovery. And does age play a factor? I have seen a private consultant who told me that there is a risk of bladder damage, there's a risk of placenta previa and low chance of uterine rupture. Although I was advised after my 3rd no more. My private consultant has advised that risks can be reduced by delivering earlier and it's not a no go area.
OP posts:
Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 18:32

@neutraliseacid

If a consultant has reviewed your previous delivery notes and advised that a 4th section is doable, I’d listen to them! If they’ve advised no more babies due to the adhesions etc, I would REALLY hesitate to get pregnant again
He said it's doable, with a risk, but that risk is with multiple c sections in any case. He did not say it's not doable.
OP posts:
neutraliseacid · 25/02/2021 18:33

Well then I’d probably be less nervous about going ahead in that case Smile

FuzzyTurquoise · 25/02/2021 18:37

Just worried about the whole thing from pregnancy to deliver to recovery. And does age play a factor?

I didn’t have any problems, to do with my c sections anyway, with my last pregnancy. I had a big haemorrhage during my second c section. I had my fourth c section in my forties.

I have seen a private consultant who told me that there is a risk of bladder damage, there's a risk of placenta previa and low chance of uterine rupture.
Although I was advised after my 3rd no more. My private consultant has advised that risks can be reduced by delivering earlier and it's not a no go area.

I’d probably get another opinion because it’s all well and good for your private consultant to go against the previous advice you’ve been given but s/he won’t be the one looking after you and your baby if things go wrong and either of you need emergency care. There will have been a reason you were told no after three. I wasn’t told that and I had my four very close together.

Lumene · 25/02/2021 18:38

Your consultant will have much more of an understanding of your risks and circumstances than anyone on here.

The question is do you want another child enough to take those risks?

morninglive · 25/02/2021 18:50

Do you really want to mess us your body even further? Why risk further complications that could leave you in pain and disabled for the rest of your life. You have 3 healthy children. Your age is against you and your physical wellbeing, is surely more important than a 4th child? If you had a ruptured uterus and died what would the affect be on your surviving children?

Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 19:27

@FuzzyTurquoise

Just worried about the whole thing from pregnancy to deliver to recovery. And does age play a factor?

I didn’t have any problems, to do with my c sections anyway, with my last pregnancy. I had a big haemorrhage during my second c section. I had my fourth c section in my forties.

I have seen a private consultant who told me that there is a risk of bladder damage, there's a risk of placenta previa and low chance of uterine rupture.
Although I was advised after my 3rd no more. My private consultant has advised that risks can be reduced by delivering earlier and it's not a no go area.

I’d probably get another opinion because it’s all well and good for your private consultant to go against the previous advice you’ve been given but s/he won’t be the one looking after you and your baby if things go wrong and either of you need emergency care. There will have been a reason you were told no after three. I wasn’t told that and I had my four very close together.

I understand that he got in touch with her and obtained her story on what had happened at last section. Compared to the other two sections it was a dream. Recovery was 100 times better too.
OP posts:
Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 19:29

@neutraliseacid

Well then I’d probably be less nervous about going ahead in that case Smile
Thanks! I'm really after genuine opinions on here and really appreciate all the advice. On other posts under c sections I've seen many have had four and more with no issues. I know everyone's circumstances are different too. But it's interesting to know.
OP posts:
Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 19:32

@morninglive

Do you really want to mess us your body even further? Why risk further complications that could leave you in pain and disabled for the rest of your life. You have 3 healthy children. Your age is against you and your physical wellbeing, is surely more important than a 4th child? If you had a ruptured uterus and died what would the affect be on your surviving children?
I completely get what you're saying which is why I'm on here in the first place writing this. I've thought and thought about this for the past year. I'll be 41 soon and just thinking if there is a chance I don't want to regret it for the rest of my life. There would be an almost 4 year difference if a) I do fall pregnant and b) everything goes ok and I have a planned c section. The actual thing is the only two real risks I was informed of are bladder injury if the bladder sticks to the uterus. Which they can get around but worst case is 2 week recovery in hospital if it's damaged and second case is placenta previa which can be managed by an earlier planned delivery. Small risk of uterine rupture and of course a haemorrhage is always with any delivery.
OP posts:
Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 19:37

@stairway

I dont know what complications you had. During my last section I got a tear going down so now have a t shaped scar. They said wait for two years before anymore. I’m expecting again. The consultant didn’t seem concerned really. A lot depends on where the placenta attaches as well.
Thanks for your reply and congratulations! Will you have a planned c section this time round?
OP posts:
user18467425798532 · 25/02/2021 19:43

My private consultant has advised that risks can be reduced by delivering earlier and it's not a no go area.

Risk of death or risk of disability?

You already have extensive adhesions including your bowel. Triggering even more is going to leave you at risk of chronic pain, chronic bowel obstructions, limited diet choices, incontinence, emergency surgery including the possibility of a stoma if your bowel becomes completely obstructed or perforated or becomes gangrenous due to all the scar tissue. The latter could happen years later so that's a lifelong risk.

Regrets are a normal part of life, they can't be eliminated, it's about how you manage the feelings. Personally, I'd regret putting myself in a position where I couldn't live a normal life or ended up with a colostomy or ileostomy instead of being happy with the children I already had and the good fortune I'd had in recovering so well.

Why fuck all that great stuff up because you're trying to avoid processing some uncomfortable emotions?

stairway · 25/02/2021 20:06

Hi Nat2016, I will be having another section , I’m going to ask to have it at 37 weeks to avoid labour / uterine rupture which is my biggest worry. It seems your issue is adhesions. If you were to go ahead you would likely have a planned longer c section and a more experienced surgeon who would have to be more careful and take longer. It doesn’t sound like an absolute no no though.

Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 20:17

@user18467425798532

My private consultant has advised that risks can be reduced by delivering earlier and it's not a no go area.

Risk of death or risk of disability?

You already have extensive adhesions including your bowel. Triggering even more is going to leave you at risk of chronic pain, chronic bowel obstructions, limited diet choices, incontinence, emergency surgery including the possibility of a stoma if your bowel becomes completely obstructed or perforated or becomes gangrenous due to all the scar tissue. The latter could happen years later so that's a lifelong risk.

Regrets are a normal part of life, they can't be eliminated, it's about how you manage the feelings. Personally, I'd regret putting myself in a position where I couldn't live a normal life or ended up with a colostomy or ileostomy instead of being happy with the children I already had and the good fortune I'd had in recovering so well.

Why fuck all that great stuff up because you're trying to avoid processing some uncomfortable emotions?

I appreciate your honest advice! When you say it like that it makes me want to cry SadSadSad
OP posts:
Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 20:18

@stairway

Hi Nat2016, I will be having another section , I’m going to ask to have it at 37 weeks to avoid labour / uterine rupture which is my biggest worry. It seems your issue is adhesions. If you were to go ahead you would likely have a planned longer c section and a more experienced surgeon who would have to be more careful and take longer. It doesn’t sound like an absolute no no though.
Good luck hun wishing you all the best for a healthy delivery and healthy and happy you and baby x He did say he would be happy to oversee my pregnancy and ensure senior surgeons operate at delivery.
OP posts:
morninglive · 25/02/2021 20:19

@user18467425798532

My private consultant has advised that risks can be reduced by delivering earlier and it's not a no go area.

Risk of death or risk of disability?

You already have extensive adhesions including your bowel. Triggering even more is going to leave you at risk of chronic pain, chronic bowel obstructions, limited diet choices, incontinence, emergency surgery including the possibility of a stoma if your bowel becomes completely obstructed or perforated or becomes gangrenous due to all the scar tissue. The latter could happen years later so that's a lifelong risk.

Regrets are a normal part of life, they can't be eliminated, it's about how you manage the feelings. Personally, I'd regret putting myself in a position where I couldn't live a normal life or ended up with a colostomy or ileostomy instead of being happy with the children I already had and the good fortune I'd had in recovering so well.

Why fuck all that great stuff up because you're trying to avoid processing some uncomfortable emotions?

OP Take this on board please. I am a nurse and I've seen horrendous damage caused by any kind of childbirth. You are already on a sticky wicket so why risk greater injury than you already have?

Sorry to sound harsh but you are lucky to be so healthy and have healthy children, so why take the risk with everyones lives?

NeilBuchananisBanksy · 25/02/2021 20:21

It's better to regret not having a child, than regretting having them and the injuries they caused.

Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 20:32

The private consultant did an internal scan and he could see no signs of adhesions on the POD and the bladder was normal. Bladder and omental adhesions were seen at last section but in his report he said small risk of uterine rupture.

OP posts:
Original poster
Nat2016 · 25/02/2021 21:23

@FuzzyTurquoise

Just worried about the whole thing from pregnancy to deliver to recovery. And does age play a factor?

I didn’t have any problems, to do with my c sections anyway, with my last pregnancy. I had a big haemorrhage during my second c section. I had my fourth c section in my forties.

I have seen a private consultant who told me that there is a risk of bladder damage, there's a risk of placenta previa and low chance of uterine rupture.
Although I was advised after my 3rd no more. My private consultant has advised that risks can be reduced by delivering earlier and it's not a no go area.

I’d probably get another opinion because it’s all well and good for your private consultant to go against the previous advice you’ve been given but s/he won’t be the one looking after you and your baby if things go wrong and either of you need emergency care. There will have been a reason you were told no after three. I wasn’t told that and I had my four very close together.

Can I ask if you had any adhesions in any of your sections? And also how you felt having a section in your forties?
OP posts:
Disneymum1993 · 25/02/2021 23:04

I have had 3 and was considering a fourth but the risk is too high. Last section was only a year ago.I had a blood transfusion after second and with the 3rd there was excess scar tissue as I had my first two back to back and the scar tissue attatched to my bladder excess blood loss again with 3rd.

The risk of complications is higher the more you have and the dr recommended I don't have anymore as my body might not handle it. Was pregnant last year when youngest was only 6 months with twins but my body couldn't cope and unfortunately had a miscarriage. That's not to say it would happen to you x

Original poster
Nat2016 · 26/02/2021 07:51

@Disneymum1993

I have had 3 and was considering a fourth but the risk is too high. Last section was only a year ago.I had a blood transfusion after second and with the 3rd there was excess scar tissue as I had my first two back to back and the scar tissue attatched to my bladder excess blood loss again with 3rd.

The risk of complications is higher the more you have and the dr recommended I don't have anymore as my body might not handle it. Was pregnant last year when youngest was only 6 months with twins but my body couldn't cope and unfortunately had a miscarriage. That's not to say it would happen to you x

Hi

I'm so sorry for your loss. That must have been awful. My c sections weren't back to back I've had 6 years between the first and two years between the second and now will be 4 years plus if it happens now.

OP posts: