Likelihood of scar tissue/being able to conceive again after an elective C Section?

[VillageFete]

Hi,

DD is 9 years old. I was induced with her and had a complicated, long labour which resulted in failed forceps and emergency C section.

I ended up with fertility issues after having her. I had PCOS, one of my tubes blocked and I just couldn’t conceive again for years. Hysteroscopy/laparoscopy showed no issues with my womb, just the blocked tube.

I’m now pregnant naturally after 4 years of trying (and 2 failed IVF cycles) I made many changes to my diet and lifestyle and took supplements and finally got my PCOS under control, we think this is what done the trick. We are over the moon with this miracle baby and would really love one more in the future, fairly close in age to this baby if we are lucky enough.

My problem is that my Consultant has recommended an elective section this time, due to the trauma experienced the first time. My worry is that I go for an elective section, is this likely to create scar tissue/issues with my womb which could prevent me from conceiving again in the future? How likely is it? And do you think it would be worth having another hysteroscopy in the future to check for scar tissue before we went ahead with TTC again? Age isn’t on my side and with having one blocked tube, we were going to go down the IVF route for number 3, rather than try naturally long term.

Just looking for anyone’s past experience of conceiving again after an elective C section?

I'm 35, on my third pregnancy (with mild PCOS) and this will be my third section after a traumatic second emergency section. I'm nervous but so far everything is progressing well, my placenta is high and well away from the scar and I'm 28 weeks now.

Thanks @Irwe I assume then you had no trouble conceiving after your second emergency section? Not sure if it’s wise to try and get checked for scar tissue before going for IVF?

I had three emergency sections and they did say the adhesions were pretty bad by number 3. Everyone is different though.

No problem though at one point we thought I wasn't ovulating - this one took us maybe 3-4 cycles? Same as my second.

I dint know about your other issues but just from the pov of the section I managed to conceive after an elc whilst on the pill so didn't make any difference to me.

If you are pregnant at the moment could you ask your consultant/midwife. They should be able to give you some info.

Thanks everyone. I’m probably just being paranoid after all my years of infertility.

@weebarra Was it easy enough to conceive after first and second section? You didn’t need any scar tissue removing in order to conceive?

No, DS2 was conceived first cycle and and DD was a contraceptive failure!

Sorry about the other problems you've faced.
But regarding c sections I had an elcs with DS1. They said after a c section to wait a minimum of a year.
We started trying again literally the day DS turned one (just the way cycles and implant removal worked out). Found out I was pregnant 20 days later.
Other than a slight numb area on my stomach the c section was fine and the scar on the outside I'd barely noticeable.

Thank you for the reassurance. I’m just so keen to complete my family now that my fertility issues are hopefully under control. Just worrying that this second C section may cause issues and that a third is possible dangerous?

I’m not happy unless i’m worrying

Have you asked the consultant about it? She's probably more of an expert than mumsnet...

Might it be helpful to structure a conversation at your next consultants appointment? The BRAIN system is a great way of asking questions and balancing the risks of each available option. This is your body and you have to consent to any intervention. However if your consent is informed you can feel more comfortable and in control of your options

What are the BENEFITS of what the consultant is suggesting?

What are the RISKS involved?

What are the ALTERNATIVES?

What does my INSTINCT say?

What happens if we opt to do NOTHING?

I have had four c sections, 1 emergency and three planned. It took me 12 months and 14 months to conceive my second and third children, but my fourth took only one cycle.
I have a lot of scar tissue inside so I was advised to be sterilised which I have been as they said scar tissue could extend to my bladder and bowel and cause problems.
But I have always wondered why it took so long to conceive my middle children and if the scar tissue was to blame.

You will need time for your periods/ovulation to return and time for your scar to heal. I agree with Cholka, it would be best to ask your Consultant.

I don’t have personal experience but I do know a woman who had four caesareans so it’s definitely possible.