How long after cesarean can i get pregnant

By Nicole Harris. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Cancel Submit. Close this dialog window Review for. Back to story Comment on this project. Tell us what you think How long should you wait to get pregnant after a C-section?

Getting pregnant after having a C-section can be a complicated decision. It is understandable to …. It is understandable to be filled with questions and uncertainty, especially if you want your children to be close in age. So, what is the need-to-know about getting pregnant after having a Cesarean section? Most medical experts recommend waiting anywhere from months after having a C-section before getting pregnant again or months between births to reduce the risk of complications like uterine rupture.

There are four published studies that go over these risks, each showing different interval recommendations. These studies suggest that longer intervals between pregnancies MAY decrease the risk for uterine rupture. However, the optimal spacing is yet to be determined as results are conflicting and the sample size in the studies is not big enough to be conclusive.

Ultimately, the timeline that is right for you should be based on your unique circumstances and it is best to discuss it with your provider. There are specific factors to consider when trying to decide when it is best to get pregnant after Cesarean. Some things to think about are:. Your decision on how long to wait to get pregnant after a C-section should consider the risks of not waiting long enough.

Risks of getting pregnant too soon after a Cesarean include the increased risk of uterine rupture, preterm birth, low birth weight, a longer recovery time, and a more difficult pregnancy. In fact, fertility can increase temporarily after birth, due to hormonal changes in the body.

You can get pregnant as soon as 3 weeks after delivering your first child. However, most experts recommend waiting a minimum of 45 days before having sex and at least 6 months before conceiving another baby. Here are some factors that make you a good candidate for a VBAC:.

Overall, choosing to birth after a Cesarean is a preference-sensitive decision and should be made for your unique circumstances with a provider who aligns with your birth goals. It goes without saying that sometimes, Cesareans are life-saving; I have seen it myself as a doula. However, there are several things you can do to avoid an unnecessary Cesarean and increase the likelihood of having a VBAC.

What are the risks? Does hypnobirthing work to ease the process? Having a supportive team that knows you and your preferences will make the biggest difference n how your birth unfolds. Start with a VBAC supportive provider, find a VBAC trained doula , and know who in your social circle and family you can lean on to support you on your journey.

Education and intuition are such a powerful force when used together. Trust in the things you have learned and tune into your intuition to drive your birth choices. Depending on the number of C-sections had, medical experts recommend waiting between months before getting pregnant again. Waiting that long minimizes the risks of complications.

Generally, you should expect to conceive about as easily as you did the first time. Only rarely is there an increased risk of infertility due to Cesarean. Your fertility is not typically affected by having had a C-section and, most medical experts recommend waiting at least 6 months before trying to conceive.

Some may find it harder to conceive based on their incision type. If you get pregnant right after having a Cesarean, research suggests that you are times more likely to experience a uterine rupture. Looking for a doula to help you through your VBAC? Hi, I'm Julie Francom , and my goal is to help you feel educated and informed about birth after Cesarean. I am a mom of four, computer geek, Army vet, and a small-town girl just trying to change the world!

My husband and I were just talking the other night about the ideal time to get pregnant after a C-section. This post gives us just the information we need. Julie and Meghan, you guys are my heroes. With this blog and your podcast you give women such knowledge. Once I rock my vbac. We spoke to three fertility experts who provided us with information on the major things a woman who has had a C-section procedure should know before considering getting pregnant after a C-section, We also discuss the effects of a Cesarean on fertility, and the best time to have sex after a C-section.

A previous delivery via C-section does not mean that the chances of a successful and stress-free future delivery are unattainable for you.

However, extra care should be taken to minimize the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Here are some of the things you should consider to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Having a C-section rarely has an effect on your future fertility, says Dr. Witt explains that such fibroids may be associated with future fertility problems, but they do not specifically occur as a result of the C-section.

According to Witt, some factors—when coupled with the performance of the C-section—may lead to a decline in fertility. He also adds that some decrease in fertility occurs as a result of aging from the time of the previous C-section to the time that another pregnancy is attempted. Most medical experts recommend waiting at least six months after a live birth before getting pregnant again in order to reduce the risk of complications like premature birth, low birth weight, and congenital disorders.

According to the Mayo Clinic, research generally suggests waiting between 18 and 24 months, although women older than 35 might want to wait 12 months. Ultimately, this timeline is dependent on many factors and is best to discuss with your medical provider. You may also be uncertain about the safest time after the procedure to start having sex.

Being able to have sex comfortably is an important consideration involved in getting pregnant after a C-section. As Witt explains, it is commonly recommended that sexual activity should be delayed until at least six weeks postpartum. On the whole, there are minimal medical concerns about returning to sexual intercourse after a C-section. Krystyna Holland, a physical therapist and owner of Inclusive Care, LLC , suggests that it might be better to opt for simpler positions for a while.

It is also common to feel discomfort while having sex as a result of the pressure in your core, or anxiety and self-consciousness from your C-section scar.