High risk pregnancy after abdominal surgery

[abcde1]

I had a laparoscopy (keyhole) and then a laparotomy (up and down - big operation) last year to check and then remove an ovary.

I'm coming up to 7 weeks pg and have been told that I am now a 'high risk' pregnancy because of this surgery. Apparently I'd also be high-risk if I'd have my appendix removed or something similar - so there must be quite a few women in this position...

DD was a normal (low-risk) pregnancy, delivered by ventouse.

Does anyone have any experience? What are the risks? As far as I can tell there's a risk of needing a c-section rather than having a vaginal birth (not what I want, but fine).

Am seeing a consultant soon (since I realise every situation is different etc etc) but would like to go forearmed with some knowledge.

Hi there,
I'm not in the same situation as you, but I had my appendix removed in Sept 09 while 5 months pregnant with my first child. It wasn't keyhole surgery (too risky to the baby) but the conventional surgery. I was considered high-risk and off-work for the rest of the pregnancy. However, when it came to giving birth there was no pressure to have a CS. I did end up having an Emergency CS as I had complications during labour (unrelated to surgery) but during 24hrs I and all the hospital staff were working towards a vaginal birth.
I'm pregnant again and my OB told me I have a 50/50 chance of having a CS, but that a VB is still possible despite everything, if I have a problem-free pregnancy. Mind you, my pregnancy is being supervised by OB doctors rather than midwives, due to the experiences I had with my first child. But perhaps that's because I live in France where things are more medicalised...?
Goodluck seeing the consultant. And goodluck with your pregnancy and birth.

I had a laparotomy (c section type scar) at 13 weeks pregnant with this baby to remove ovary. I am considered low risk with no extra checks etc needed after post op period. I am surprised you would be considered high risk because of that previous surgery. It's not necessarily a bad thing tho, unless you want a home birth etc. usually I believe it means you get a more experienced midwife etc.

I had keyhole surgery to remove my appendix in October, when my DD was nearly 18mths, now 20wks with my 2nd, so 8mths since the op. Have mentioned it to Dr & MW & nobody has suggested it has increased my risk at all - I was low risk with DD & I've even been recommended a home birth with this one!!

I would imagine its to do with the 'open' surgery rather than the keyhole, & damage to the scar/healing tissue as your stomach stretches, rather than a risk for baby, but I don't know for certain.

Good luck.

Thanks all - that's really reassuring.

I'll actually be giving birth in the US where I believe birth to be a lot more medicalised than it is here, so I'm expecting to be recommended for a CS, but knowing that that's not necessarily the outcome is great. Will have an obstetrician out there looking after me.

Would never want a home birth after my labour experience with DD so am happy to be in hospital - would just rather avoid a CS if at all possible...

Thanks again.

Hi there. I had a surgery when 30 cm of my bowel were removed, 3,5 years ago. I am really concerned about getting pregnant. What would happen to internal scar tissue( adhesions) , is it very uncomfortable or dangerous? I know that all the organs inside have to move hence my fear. I also have this weird feeling in my scar ccasionally, nothing painful but uncomfortable tenderness or pulling sensation - my doctor told me its due to scar tissue.
I know I need to speak to my GP and I already have it planned , but would really like to know real life expeiance .
Thanks

I have a 19" lateral scar from a tummy tuck which I had nearly 2 years to the day I had my first son. I've also had keyhole abdominal surgery. I was supposed to have a home birth and was never considered high risk.

I had an emcs but it was absolutely nothing to do with previous scarring or surgery.

My c-section scar is only about 5" long and it very low - about an inch below my upbes and actually about 3" below the tummy tuck.

The only comment I ever had was from a rather "new" gynae during my second pregnancy who upon seeing the tummy tuck scar asked if it was my c-section scar! Jaysus!