Thinking about third baby after two PPHs

[ACecily]

Hi,

I'm looking for advice/experiences from people who have gone through something similar...

DH and I have two children (DS5 & DD3) and are on the fence about a third.

One of the main factors putting me off is that I haemorrhaged immediately after delivery both times (about 1 litre each time with no transfusions required).

DS was back-to-back and he was delivered with forceps, but DD was born very quickly and easily in about three hours. It seems that my uterus doesn't contract very well!

I've had a birth reflections appointment and the midwife advised that I shouldn't let it put me off, but I would be keen to hear other people's experiences in this situation.

My main fear is an even quicker labour at home with subsequent blood loss. I wonder if a planned induction would be the best approach, but have also heard that this can increase haemorrhage risk.

Any insights greatly appreciated!

Sorry no advice but going to follow as have haemorrhaged after labour once and would be interesting to see advice about any future deliveries!

i can appreciate your concerns but every labour/birth is different. If your discussion with midwife was reassuring I think I’d go ahead. I’m mum to 3 grown up kids and my 3rd wasn’t planned and I had serious doubts about continuing with the pregnancy. This kid has turned out the best - always available and very close to me even though he’s married with kids himself.
If you have sufficient income and no other concerns go with your heart and let the medical professionals take care of the rest.
Wishing you the very best with whatever decision you make.

I had an induction with my baby, ended in episiotomy, forceps & I did haemorrhage needing blood transfusion. When I was being talked through it all in the hospital afterwards I was repeatedly told by every doctor, nurse and midwife not to let it put me off having another as there are measures they can take next time to keep you as safe as possible. A planned induction though wouldn’t be a good idea if you’re trying to avoid another one purely because inductions carry a higher chance of needing intervention (forceps/vacuum) and those things all actually increase your risk of having another big bleed.

If you’re worried about another difficult labour, you could opt for an elective c section, though I’m not saying that’s an easy option either. Obviously the decision on whether to have a third is completely up to you. Personally though I wouldn’t let this put me off if a third child was something I really wanted.

Thanks for all your advice!

I tend to be quite anxious, so it's nice to hear some more positive viewpoints about not being put off!

Having a second child was a no-brainer for us, so I was able to push past the worry. But I think I'm now getting to that point again with wanting a third.

@Froniga your post made me feel quite emotional. Sometimes I think it would be mad to go back to the baby stage, but the thought of a bigger family is so lovely.

If you have two healthy children who need me and a lovely family dynamic I wouldn’t risk my health in that way for the world.

A topic close to my heart at the moment.

I also had two hemorrhages, but during c-sections. First one I lost 1.5l of blood, second I lost 3. Transfused the second time. Decided against a third.

Now find myself accidentally pregnant at (FFS) 45 and don't know what to do. About 7 weeks. Managed to see a consultant who says that they can 'manage' it but already bricking myself. Not sure whether it would be better to terminate but feel time is running away from me. (Because I am so old there is a very high risk of miscarriage, over 80%, but obviously that goes down as the days pass...)

In your case I can see that the thought of it all happening very fast is scary. In my case it's the certain need for an elective section and lying there waiting for it to happen again. Also very worried (I have health anxiety!) about having a heart attack from blood loss and dying on the table.

Hey I need advice asap please so I've had 2 c sections I'm 32 my son born 2010 then my daughter whom I hemoraged with developed fluid in the lungs with and was on life support as my blood type is rhesus negative it's a miracle I survived they say just found out I'm pregnant obviously not planned was on birth control my daughter is 10 now so my choices are the same thing happens anyone who can relate please I don't want too wait too long