C section impact on future FETs / second IVF pregnancies

[GracePKI]

I’m currently pregnant following IVF and trying to decide whether to have an elective c section or a natural birth. For various reasons, I had almost fully decided on c section but in my doctor’s appointment yesterday they flagged that the c section scar can impede implantation for future IVF transfers (and the recommended wait time between births is longer for this reason not just the usual risks of rupture etc once actually pregnant). This is specific to IVF because of how they transfer the embryo and doesn’t affect natural pregnancies.

I feel like getting pregnant this time was a miracle and I don’t want to assume we would be as lucky again, but we have 4 frozen embryos from various cycles and I don’t want to reduce prospects for those by choosing a c section (if I don’t end up needing one for medical reasons).

Anyone here had successful transfer in IVF relatively soon (eg a year or less) after a C section?

Ideally of course we would wait a couple of years but time is not on our side (lining seems to require stims to thicken beyond 7mm - and hence a decent number of follicles, which just gets lower the older I get).

Any positive experiences, thoughts or tips from those who have been in similar situations would be appreciated!

I think it would be good to ask your doctor what the increased risk is in terms of a percentage. When they say it increases the risk, you think oh definitely don’t want to do that, but in fact in might be a very small increase.

I had a planned c section but not IVF so I’m not in your situation, I am now pregnant again and got pregnant on our first month, I know a c section causes a scar and it’s different with IVF to natural conception but the scar doesn’t cover the whole womb, it’s just a small cut so I would question how much difference it really makes.

for me after several miscarriages I was desperate to ensure our baby got here safely and a planned c section is the best way to do that (although obviously not risk free).

good luck whatever you decide x

@Peonyyyy that’s a really good point on % of increased risk. My clinic is really keen on stats too so it may even be that they have numbers relating to this.

Congrats on pregnancy no. 2 & hope all goes well ❤️

I had IVF, elective C section and then FET 15
months after my C section. No issues whatsoever and currently heavily pregnant with my second from that FET. Neither my IVF doctor or my consultant ever mentioned C section as an additional risk for FET. A friend of mine had IVF, c section and then FET 4 months after her C section (like you, she wanted to have her babies close together for various health reasons/her age). Her clinic seemed happy to do the FET so close to the c section despite the general advice to wait at least a year before getting pregnant and she had no issues with the FET or the pregnancy, and is now planning a third!

@bubbleduck84 congrats on pregnancy no 2 & best of luck for the arrival! That’s so reassuring to hear & to hear about your friend with an even shorter timeframe after c section.