Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

I've had 2 C-sections, both scheduled so I never labored at all however, I didn't have a great experience with them. I had a reaction BOTH times to the spinal and was really sick and out of it for the first 12 hrs after surgery. Recovery was uncomfortable and long and after my most recent section almost 2 yrs ago, they did mention I had a lot of adhesions (scar tissue).

As I mentioned in my other post, I want a third and every time I *think* I'm ready to just go for it I really PANIC about a 3rd C-section. I'm honestly really scared of something going wrong in surgery and then I go online (stupidly) and read about all the risks of multiple C-sections (especially when you're older) and then I panic more.

I don't know what to do. I REALLY wish I gave birth naturally, it's so hard having to deal with having had C-sections. It's never how I imagined things going and now I feel like because of that it's holding me back from another baby because it's major surgery and I'm really nervous about it, especially now having two kids. God forbid something happened to me, it just scares the cr@p out of me.

I REALLY want a third baby, I just wish there was a way to snap your fingers and POOF!!.........baby!!..........with no pregnancy and C-section.

Any advice or words of wisdom? TIA!

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

I would speak to your doctor, and find out what your risks are, specific to you.

There are many that have 3 c sections and they are fine.

However, it does increase your risk of previa( which could put you on bed rest during your pregnancy), and other issues with the surgery.

If your doctor says he thinks you will be fine- then go for it!

I had two c sections and my second child at 37. I opted not to have more kids, since I have had melanoma a few times, and pregnancy hormones increase the risk of melanoma ( I had one removed in my second trimester). I felt like I could not jeopardize my health for a third child, it would not be fair to the two amazing kids I already have!

Besides, I am 42 now and they both got stricken with the flu this week. I am exhausted! I cannot imagine if I had a toddler here too. I am just too old for that..

Okay, getting off topic here- good luck with your decision!!

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

is a vbac completely off the table? have you had a second opinion with other doctors or midwives to look at your records?

eta I completely get it, my csection wasnt horrible in terms of recovery but the whole process was terrifying!

Message edited 1/23/2015 10:55:37 AM.

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

I had three sections- my last was at 37. I have had no complications. But, during my 3rd while I was on the table the surgeon said I had a lot of scar tissue. But, I was not told I couldn't have a 4th (not that we are)! I would ask your doctor about your personal risks. Most likely it would be fine!

Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

Is a vbac a possibility ? I know women who've vbaced after 2 cs. Meet with a midwife or a progressive ob.

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

Thanks for the replies. A VBAC might be possible, I was hoping with one when I had my DS but he wasn't budging and they couldn't let me go long because I had GD. I'd be a little more concerned now about trying for a VBAC with regards to a possible uterine rupture since I've already had 2 C-sections, adhesions, AND I had decent sized kids.........8lbs 8oz and 9lbs 4oz. I guess I should really go over things with my OB to get a better idea of where I stand based on my previous experiences. The thought of a 3rd surgery just makes me so nervous.

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

Like Casey31, I've also had three c-sections--the last at age 37. I did have a lot of adhesions from the first two surgeries and my OB said my uterus was so thinned out on the bottom that it was like more or less attached to my bladder. So, this added at least 40 minutes to the surgery--in the beginning to clean out all the scar tissue and then again at the end to place everything back very carefully and she filled my bladder with blue dye to make sure there were no tears...the catheter bag was...uhhh...interesting...lol!

Unlike Casey though, she didn't think it would be wise for me to have a 4th as a result of all that.

I know my doctors would absolutely not have allowed a VBAC and I'm sure yours wouldn't either in your case.

Anyway, I've had no complications with the exception of mid-cycle spotting that my doctor feels may be a result of fluid/menstrual blood () getting trapped in all the scarring. This is remedied by taking birth control pills...

Good luck with your decision!

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

I have no experience with a C Section but I will say that my sister had 3 kids, all 14 months apart, and had a C-Section for each. She is perfectly fine.

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

Thanks ladies for the insight. I appreciate it! I feel like there is so much to think about and consider.

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

My DD is only 10 months, but i also think about this. My sections both went well, but I had so much anxiety after my 2nd worrying about how I was healing, etc that it makes me lean toward not having a 3rd. My scar is actually really small this time compared to last time, but the thoughts of something happening to me was way more scary with a 3 year old relying on me, than it was the first time around when I was too overwhelmed with having a newborn to worry about myself.

I'm only 32, so I still have time to consider a 3rd later on. I would not have a 3rd after 40.

My own mom had 3 CS, her last at 38, and was fine.

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

I had 3 c-sections. My first was an emergency section and i had been cut vertically. My OB wash't concerned (also had a tummy tuck before baby #3) my last section was at 42 and I was home the day after my section.

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

I'm kind of in the same boat. Had two prior c sections due to my first being breech. Not what I wanted at all. My sections went relatively smoothly though. My doctor is very conservative and told me to stop at three C's. Four would be too risky in general he said.

I'm debating about going for my third. It's a tough decision knowing everything that is involved and now being older too.

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

i know women who have had 4 cs, and women who have had vba2c. Anything is possible depending on your personal medical situation. Have a good talk with your doctor about your incisions, scar tissue and adhesions.

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

I'll be having my 3rd C section this June and i'll be 40 in April..truthfully i didn't plan on this baby at all as it totally came as a complete surprise the 3rd C @ age 40 scares me a little but my DR has not really expressed concern over it..my first 2 C's went well (the first being an emergency) i'm having my tubes tied with this one so there won't be a 4th C, which I think would worry me more, but I know someone who's going to have on this year.
It's definitely a talk you should have with your dr. if you really want another. good luck!

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

I know someone in their 40's who will be having their 4th cs soon. So it is possible! Good luck!

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

Re: Spin-Off to Babies Over 40 - Repeat C-sections

I had my 3rd C-section when I was a month away from my 40th birthday. My 1st C-section recovery was very easy. My 2nd was a little tougher but still not bad. My 3rd was a rough recovery - I was in a lot of pain in the hospital and it was tougher to walk around. I also had my tubes tied during the 3rd C-section. It is the scar tissue that makes it rougher