How long after a C section should you wait until TTC (Or in my case, going for IVF)

[VillageFete]

Hi,

I have a 9 year old DD, her birth was induction, 28 hours of hell, an hour of pushing, failed forceps, emergency section.

Started TTC when she was 4. It took 6 months of clomid, a couple of operations, 3 failed rounds of IVF and then I got a surprise, natural BFP. Currently 18 weeks pregnant and will be having an elective C section.

Keen to complete my family before i’m too old. Ovarian reserve isn’t the greatest.

Planning on having either an aquascan/hysteroscopy when my next baby is approx 8 months old to check i’ve healed ok - anyone else done this? Any advice on what would be best? Then planning on freezing my embryos when he’s approx 10 months old. I won’t be breastfeeding so hoping periods return after a few months and all the above can go ahead.

If all is well and i’m lucky, I wanted to transfer my first embryo when he was approx 12 months old. Is this deemed safe? Would that give me enough time between C sections if it was successful first time, or am I putting myself in any unnecessary danger? I’m reading things about uterine rupture, placenta accreta etc?? And It’s terrifying me! I’d be having another elective section if lucky enough to have a 3rd child.

Anyone been in a similar position?

I think you need to speak to a specialist as it sounds like quite a complex situation. I’d suggest maybe asking around to find a recommended NHS fertility specialist who does private practice and seeing if you can get an appointment for a private consultation to ask advice. Freezing embryos may not be necessary at 10 months - they may say it’s safe to go straight to ttc.

Also I could be wrong but I don’t know how helpful a hysteroscopy would be in terms of assessing scar healing as it is just looking with a camera at the lining of the uterus. I would suggest doing a bit of research into whether there is any actual evidence that hysteroscopy is useful enough to justify the risk.

I've just had my 3rd section around 18m after my second (so concieved 9month post section). My gp said 6months but couldn't find much guidance. In your situation I would have a chat with your surgeon after this section to see what they advise. My surgeon this time popped round to give feedback - he recommended an earlier section next time as uterus is quite thin(not planning on more personally).

No-one batted an eyelid on the gap with mine and it was a planned section at 39 weeks.

My clinic won’t consider it before at least 12 months post-birth.

I'm pregnant now having conceived 6 months after birth. Comsultant said they would have preferred a 12 month wait, but the risk is exceptionally low anyway

I'd agree with getting specialist advice - meantime it might help to start taking a pregnancy multivitamin to help replenish your reserves.

@Cherries101 is that 12 months because of c section or for all next rounds of ivf?

12 mths post birth regardless of method.

I had two c-sections in 14 months, and then another two 19 months apart.

But definitely talk to your specialist

I'm due with second and this will be 18 months since my first. I'm having another section and am quite nervous!

I had two c sections 14 months apart followed by my last 16 months later. I was then told due to scar tissue damage and other complications to wait 18 months-2 years if we wanted to conceive again. Everyone is individually different and will heal and recover differently. Speak to your surgeon after the c section and ask what they recommend and how your surgery went. They will make notes but trying to get hold of them say 6 months later can be difficult. It's good to talk at the time and also with your other half present after my c sections I've been unwell and being sick each time and it's been hard to remember all the info.

Thanks for all of the replies. Really helpful.

My hysteroscopy in 2016 showed a perfectly healthy uterus, there was no scar tissue to remove and I was told it was “ship shape” so my 2009 emergeny section must not have caused any issues. Just a tad concerned my C section in March will. I’m clearly not happy unless i’m worrying.

@practicallyperfectmummy Do they come around to the ward to see you? Or can I ask after they’ve stitched me up how it all looked? I’m hoping 12 months will be ok. After all, i’ve not had multiple sections back to back.

They came round to see me, luckily my hubby retained the info for me! I also screen shot my pregnancy notes, with notes from the surgeon before the midwife took them away. In the past I wanted to look at them and they had lost them and it was really hard work to track them down. It's good to get all your info for future reference while fresh in the surgeons mind. Yes mine were all super close, you will probably be fine I obviously didn't heal that well. After I had my first I also received conflicting info about how long I should wait to try again. I spoke to my midwife and two different gps whom all gave me different time frames. I had a few problems healing and kept getting internal infections. I was then seen by a consultant who did and internal scan, declared me completely healed and said we could make a sibling as soon as we wanted! It was reassuring then to know and I fell pregnant straight away. Good luck

@practicallyperfectmummy Thanks for the info. I’m sure i’m probably overthinking things, but IVF takes planning and sorting, so need as much info as possible. The scan the Consultant arranged for you, was it some kind of special scan, or just a standard internal scan?

I've found advice varies - I was told 2 years, a friend was told 12 months. Not sure if this is down to circumstance (she's older than me), doctors advice based on is individually or down to having babies in different trusts. Definitely consult with professionals.

Hi @VillageFete ,

I'm just expecting number one but due to premature ovarian failure I am very much planning when I can use my frozen embryos in case I need to have another fresh cycle. So desperate already to know when I can try for number 2!

I'm planning to go for a ivf consultation when baby is about 6 months old - figure I'll be speaking to a consultant who know my ivf history and tell me when is best to go again.

I agree it's worth making you know the details of our previous deliveries though as the ivf clinic may not have that to hand!

@hoping2018 Good luck with it all. I know all too well how draining IVF can be! Which is why i’m keen to crack on sooner than later. It will be a case of starting from scratch with a whole new cycle for me. I have PCOS and I overstimulate, so i’ll have my embryos frozen as soon as I can, with a view to hopefully transfer from 12 months post section.