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Childbirth

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

Original poster

3rd C section

7 replies

Mesbee · 27/05/2025 13:48

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

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 28/05/2025 08:12

Not me but a DF actually had 4. The first 3 sound very much like your experience.

I know that you’re worried but there are actually a lot of advantages to having a planned C-Section, especially when you have older DC. You can sort out childcare for the others and plan for when you’ll be home.

HG is awful, at least that will stop Flowers

BodeAkuna · 28/05/2025 09:31

I have had three and recovery from the third was totally fine. Maybe the easiest

BunnyRuddington · 28/05/2025 16:34

How are you today @Mesbee? Smile

WanderWalker · 26/06/2025 15:35

Mesbee · 27/05/2025 13:48

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

Hi I’ve been trying to look for info on a 3rd C Section too and came across your post. I am due to have a 3rd c section this year too and I am very nervous. You might not see this message as you might be in the mist of your new born bubble ☺️ but I just wondered how you have found it? And how you are finding the healing process with it being number 3? That’s obviously if you don’t mind sharing ☺️

CritterPants · 26/06/2025 17:03

I have had 4 c sections (first under general anesthetic) and the second, third, and fourth were fine! Good luck with your birth and baby.

Original poster
Mesbee · 26/06/2025 20:23

Hi everyone, thanks for your messages. I had my c section just under three weeks ago. I must admit that i was very apprehensive going into theatre and during the procedure. However, I am pleased to say that everything went smoothly and there were no complications for myself or my baby. Those were my main concerns before the op.

For the benefit of anyone who is due to have a 3rd, I won’t lie and say the recovery has been easy this time as it hasn’t. I have a really high pain threshold and sailed through the first two sections, but this one was very painful for the first two weeks. In fairness I probably did try and do too much too soon. But my stomach was covered in bruises around the incision (which isn’t particularly neat either). I personally think
It’s often more down to the skill of the surgeon as opposed to how many c sections you have. Loads of people on here have said their 3rd was the easiest recovery wise, so I may have been unlucky this time. I am also 5 years older than i was last time. My second scar and recovery were much better. They even commented this time that i had barely any adhesions or scar tissue so I don’t think it was a particularly complicated surgery. I’m hoping this scar improves over time as it doesn’t look great atm, but in the grand scheme of things it’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t.

To reassure anyone due to have a 3rd c section, I’m sure it will be fine. All of the scenarios I worried about didn’t happen. My recovery wasn’t terrible by any means, it was just the worst out of the three. I would do it all again in a heartbeat for my beautiful baby girl ❤️

Good luck to anyone having a 3rd c section. It’s easy to let yourself spiral and worry, but the surgeons do this every day. I was the 3rd out of 6 that day and everyone’s surgery went to plan 😊 i hope this helps.
My one piece if advise would be to take is as easy as you can for the first couple of weeks and don’t put too much pressure on yourself x

OP posts:
Ninkynonkpinkyponks · 26/06/2025 20:25

Ah so good to hear OP!
I had 3 c sections, second was a category 1. I was covered in dark bruises after that one (my worst section). My third was the best. I do think part of it is down to surgeons skill

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