Risk factors for preterm birth

[Thisriveriswild]

Hello everyone!

Hoping someone has some experience they can share. Currently 20 weeks with my second baby following my first baby being born early in 2022. I've been told I'm at a higher risk for preterm birth this time, because I had a c section at full dilation previously, so I have an appointment soon to be checked out properly.

I've been down the Google rabbit hole and scared myself stiff looking at the increased risk factor for preterm birth because of a prior full dilation c section - has anyone else been through this? In addition, I've also seen that a prolonged second stage of labour is another risk factor for preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy, and mine was over five hours the first time. Can anyone provide any stories good or bad? It's another week til my consultant appointment and I'm driving myself insane.

Thanks! X

Hopeful bump!

Hey there.
I wouldn't worry too much. Because you have had a previous preterm birth, the obstetrician would monitor you throughout this pregnancy and probably offer you cervical length scans and other tests for any indication of previous preterm birth. I am an ex-midwife and have never heard of someone going into preterm labour due to a previous C-section. The fact that you were fully dilated prior to your CS means that you have a higher chance of having a VBAC as your body remembers!

I was 35.5 weeks with my first and I would have made 37 weeks just with my second (I was one day short) but the only c section spot was one day early. I was having labour signs at that point so would have gone naturally (light bleeding, cramping and plug out). I started having prem labour with my first at 32 weeks. The two experiences were completely different thankfully and there was no nicu the second time around. Good luck x

The biggest risk factor for a preterm birth is a previous preterm birth.
How many weeks gestation were you?
Did you labor long? Did anyone mention an incompetent cervix?