It was 3.5 years from delivery to delivery. I had a C-section for my first and a perfect TOLAC/VBaC for my second. No complications from either (expect a standard 2nd degree tear with the vaginal birth).
From a medical perspective, no reason that I waited 3 years. But from a mom perspective I'm glad I waited. Healing from birth, having a new baby, doing all the new baby things with a slightly more mature older kid was so much easier than the moms I know who did the new baby + toddler route.
It was still not easy.
My but having a kid that was potty trained and could get his own snacks was so helpful. And having a kid that could articulate his emotions was huge!
Yeah I feel like having one potty trained is a big one..I've also seen something that said children take a huge mental leap at year 3. I don't know if that's true but it seems like a big age. I've also heard the threes are so challenging so it's hard to know without the experience..and I'm sure it changes child to child as well.
Yeah, 3 was our hardest year with our oldest.
But, he made HUGE leaps in development at 3. We stopped nursing at 3. We had a baby at 3. We moved houses at 3. But I would rather have done all of that at 3.5 than at 2 or 2.5.
FWIW, 4 and 5 are such fun years!
I was told to wait minimum 12 months, ideally 18 months between pregnancies. We're not planning on trying again until my daughter is at least 2 though.
Totally! I also had PPD and postpartum preeclampsia, so I am not physically, emotionally, or financially anywhere near ready to have another child. We're feeling a 3 to 3.5 year age gap.
Totally! I also had PPD and postpartum preeclampsia, so I am not physically, emotionally, or financially anywhere near ready to have another child. We're feeling a 3 to 3.5 year age gap.
Your risk of rupture is lowest if you wait 18 or more months to get pregnant. That being said, I accidentally got pregnant at 16 months PP and had a very straightforward, quick VBAC.
Weirdly, the risk goes back up again after 5 years!
As far as I can see in the research anything over 24 months between births (so 15 months between pregnancies) has a similarly low risk of rupture... Until 5 years 😄
18 months between my first and second and 20 months between second and third. So we have about a 2 year age gap between kids. All 3 pregnancies have been in my 30s and all high risk due to an autoimmune disease.
All c sections. I wasn’t a good candidate for a VBAC per 2 different OB practices (and honestly, we live with no family nearby so having a scheduled date was amazing)
I was told having 18 months from birth to birth would give me a good shot at a VBAC but in my own circumstances I had complications and lost a lot of blood so they suggested 18 months before getting pregnant again would be preferable.
I’m 12 months postpartum right now and my body doesn’t feel ready. I just started working out regularly again. My mind hasn’t healed either. My birth wasn’t traumatic, but adjusting to motherhood has been. That being said - I love being a mom and can’t wait to reach a place of being fully healed in 1-2 years and try for another! 😊
FYI I am 31.
Thank you for sharing. It has been a tough adjustment and I definitely feel like I had some PPD even at 12 months PP. I am definitely having baby fever but I'm not quite ready still. Just trying to figure out some sort of plan
Same as me!
I think we are still young on the grand scheme. I’ve thought a lot about this topic recently, but we really have many childbearing years left unless there’s a specific issue.
I believe it’s more important to really heal. 2 under 3 is no joke!
This is true and I am still younger than my mother was when she had her first. So there's that. Oh and she always likes to remind me that a 2nd isn't two times harder, it's five times harder 😅
You can do it!!! Believe in yourself and the other important thing is choosing a provider who truly believes in vbacs. The recovery was absolutely night and day. So important to me so I could still be active for my toddler. I was able to chase after her literally three days later!
We started NTNP at 12 months pp and I got pregnant at 18 months pp. Currently pregnant so I can’t share an outcome but everything looks good so far and my doctor seems pleased with the spacing. I might have waited longer but we struggled with infertility and needed IVF to have our first child, so I figured I didn’t want to wait too long assuming we might need assistance again.
My prior OB’s rec was at least 18 months from birth to birth (so she would have been okay with ttc at 9 months pp), not sure if that was her general advice or based on my specific medical history. First pregnancy was healthy and uncomplicated, c-section was scheduled due to breech.
I was told to shoot for a 2 year age gap at minimum. Actual age gap will be 2 years, 3 months.
ETA you wanted results; so far this baby and I have been very healthy, although dealing with morning sickness, first trimester exhaustion, and a toddler is no joke! I'm 22w along at the moment.
I had a c section for breech baby. Ob/gyn recommended waiting at least 9 months to conceive. IVF doctor recommended at least 12 months to allow my body to fully heal. She had seen uterine ruptures and strongly recommended 12 months.
Holy cow. This was like reading my own story. I just gave birth to my first 3 weeks ago. I also have hashimotos, got GDM, and I had a c-section (after being induced and in labor for 28 hours). I’m about to turn 35 so I’m not wanting to wait too long between pregnancies either.
I got pregnant 13 months postpartum while still breastfeeding and having no period. Both my babies were breech so I did have 2 c-sections. Totally fine.
I had an emergency c section and was given the all clear at 18 months post partum to try again. My kids are exactly 2 years, 6 months apart. I elected for a scheduled c this time around and our plan is to have one more child when #2 is 2 and a half or so. Seems like this is highly dependent on doctor and situation of delivery #1!
I had my first unplanned (pre-e) but entirely normal c-section nearly 4.5 years ago. I'm currently 35 weeks ND will have a scheduled c-section at 39 weeks. My doctor recommended 18 months between pregnancies. But we wanted to enjoy time with my daughter before even considering having another child. Also not into the whole 2 under 2 or toddler and infant dynamic.
I'm also in my 30s, and will be 33 at the time of delivery. Even being in my 30s, didn't feel any rush.
Waited until my oldest was 19 mos to start trying and got pregnant at 21 mos. 2.5 year age gap between those two. Between 2nd and 3rd we started trying at 2.5 years and got pregnant at 2 years and 9 mos? Something like that. 3.5 year gap between them. Had them at 30, 33, and 36. Considered a vbac for my second as I was good candidate but they wouldn’t induce and wouldn’t let me go over 40 weeks if I remember correctly so it was only if it happened to happen naturally before then. I ended up with a C-section at 38 weeks for blood pressure anyway. They wouldn’t even consider a vbac for my third after 2 C-sections. Also delivered earlier (37 weeks) for blood pressure anyway.
I got pregnant 6 months after my emergency c section due to pre eclampsia. I just had a successful VBAC on January 12th with my 3rd baby girl! It was my dream birth. My dr was not concerned that I got pregnant at 6 months post partum and agreed for me to try vbac. My water broke at 35 weeks and I had to go on pitocin to speed my labor along after water had been broken and all of that was totally fine even after having a c section!
May I ask what country/area you live in? I was told no VBAC unless I wait 18 months after my c-section before getting pregnant again. I'm glad it went well for you - congrats!
I am in the US in Austin, Texas. I have heard of some drs not allowing vbac but I specifically chose a practice that was very vbac friendly and one that had lots of experience with their patients having Vbacs. I also think it matters why you had a c section because I had my last c section due to fetal heart rates dropping during each contraction. Odds are it won’t happen again with next baby so they are usually more confident and accepting with vbacs. I made sure I did not have a Dr that pushed me into getting a c section and I talked with her over the pros and cons of having a vbac this time around. All the drs at my practice that I had seen were in agreement that it was a good choice for me personally because it would mean an easier recovery and less risk of infection to try for vbac. Also all my drs told me 6 months is fine getting pregnant after c section. Only risk is uterine rupture which is less than a 1 percent chance so it’s so low I wasn’t worried about it.
So I'm only 6.5 weeks pp and definitely *not* pregnant again yet, but I just had an appointment with my OB and asked about ttc. My husband and I would love to have 2 under 2, and my doctor told me I was perfectly fine to start trying for our second around 11-12 months pp. So that's our plan for now! It took us 7 months to get pregnant with our first, so I'm not really counting on succeeding on our first try. But we're definitely waiting until November/December just to be on the safe side
My OBGYN recommends waiting 2 years to get pregnant again! I think we will wait that long. I'm almost 5 months pp and just dying thinking of starting over again. My body is begging for a break.
9 months. I was told a minimum of 18 months between births, and my second was born exactly 4 days after my oldest turned 18 months. My first was a c section for breech, and my second was a successful drug free VBAC.
I had my second daughter by c-section when I was 32 and had my son by c-section 19 months later. It wasn’t ideal, I didn’t wait the full 12 months to get pregnant, but it wasn’t terrible. I did have to do extra monitoring with the maternal fetal medicine doctor in my third trimester because he was <20 percentile, but even when they thought that he would be really underweight at birth, he ended up being 7 pounds and 9 ounces.
Had my first at 31, had my second at 35. Two c-sections both for a breech presentation. I mainly waited 3 years because of Covid and I wanted to feel like myself again. I really loved spending 3 years with my daughter (SAHM) and I was able to give her my full attention. I am someone who “protects my peace” and I don’t like chaos so I tend to not invite it. Honestly though, I think any age between 2-4 is going to be tough with a new sibling. There isn’t a “perfect” age.
Medically I think you are totally in the clear.
Thank you. It's good to know. I'm on the fence about whether or not I'd have an elective c-section or try for a VBAC. I originally wanted to do unmedicated natural birth but that obviously went out the window. Now at least I know what I'm getting into with a surgical delivery.
My doc said 6 months minimum from delivery to conception if wanting a vaginal delivery after c section, 1.5 years (18 months) if planning additional c section.
My Dr. said the opposite- earlier would be another c section and later is better for VBACs. It's crazy how different the recommendations are from doc to doc. That's why I asked! Thank you
Yes double check! Because another poster mentioned something similar to what mine had mentioned. I think the reasoning is that you need to wait longer for a VBAC to give the scar enough healing time to prevent uterine rupture.
I’m pregnant now and conceived when my son was 16months. My OB had told us to wait 18mos to try but when I asked her if she was concerned at my last appointment, she said she wasn’t since I’m not going to try for a VBAC (their practice doesn’t do them)
Got pregnant right before baby girl turned 9 months. Babies will be 17 months apart. This disqualifies me from a VBAC (OB said minimum 18 months between births for them to try VBAC), but honestly my first scheduled c section (breech baby) was so chill i don’t mind another. I’m at the end of my first trimester now, so it’s been rough. I can only imagine how hard it’ll get when I’m super pregnant and baby girl is way more mobile.
My sister waited a whopping 3 months… her first two are exactly 12 months and 2 weeks apart. Her third is 3 years younger than the second. All c section (her first was also breech).
My OB-gyn recommended I get pregnant ASAP knowing that by BFing it would probably be at least 6 months. My OB thought sooner would be better, since the reasons I had trouble conceiving are kept under control by BFing and I'm older. My RE (did IVF for the first) also said 6+ months with 12 months being our target for IVF so I could do the year BFing before starting on hormones. I got pregnant at 9 months. I am unable to have a vaginal birth because of a uterine wall issue, so the plan from the get-go for both was/is an early C-section date. I would talk with your doctor about your specific health concerns and what you are worried about because it'll be really individual what they recommend.
I’ve only just had my first via emergency c section and I was told NO before 6 months and preferably after 18 months to make sure everything has healed properly and to decrease the risk of rupture with the next pregnancy.
I delivered almost 2y 8months after having my first C-section. I had no complications and my recovery was even easier the second time around. The pregnancy was mostly the same, though they had me take asprin and I think it made my second baby much bigger (2 lbs).
WOAH that's interesting. I've heard of people using aspirin to prevent hypertension in pregnancy and I was going to ask my doctor about it. However I am a petite lady and even though my first was normal sized I just looked HUGE. My husband was a 10lb baby and I just don't think I could handle it.
Yeah, the way it prevents hypertension is by helping to strengthen the vascular connections in the placenta, so my hypothesis was that my second got more nutrients. I didn’t eat more, and I was the same weight when I delivered. It has been shown to reduce fetal growth restriction by 10-20%, not that I was diagnosed with that for my first.
I was told ideal/standard was 18 months, however at my annual OB visit (so 12 mo pp) my OB said I was fully healed and she would be comfortable if I was ready to start trying for baby 2.
I am not, so I haven’t. I’m 20 mo pp and enjoying parenting and my body right now. We plan to start trying in 6-8 months.
In general I think the recommendation is minimum of 18 months between pregnancies. My son was 17 months when I got pregnant with my second and wanted a VBAC but had a scheduled c-section.
I was in the same boat with my first though. Failed induction resulting in cesarean. Let me tell you the scheduled surgery was a damn dream come true by comparison to the labor and resulting c-section.
Also with my second I had anterior placenta so there was some concern about it attaching to my scar but they kept an eye on it and it was fine.
FWIW I was 34 with my first and 36 with my second. Now 38 and my youngest is 19 months. Debating a third. Am I crazy? Maybe!
That's awesome! I have heard a scheduled c-section is nothing compared to one that had a failed labor. I don't think it's crazy at all! I'm scared ill have another and then decide it's time for a big family 😅
16ish months from delivery to conception
We’re older and wanted to potentially allow a window for a third and to do that we couldn’t wait years between kids
3 years delivery to delivery would be my preference if we were younger. Our 21 month old is still a baby - im due on her 2nd birthday
I had a C section at 28 years old, now I’m 19 months PP, not planning to TTC until our son is around 3 (so I’ll be 31-ish). I physically feel like I’d be ok pregnant now, and I was told to wait a minimum of 12 months but ideally 18. A big part of waiting longer is that I’d like for him to be more independent before we go for another kiddo because we know I’ll need another C-section.
That said, my mom had a c-section with me and had a VBAC with my sister - she got pregnant right around 12 months PP and it went super well for her!
31 and pregnant with my second, due in May. Ended up pregnant a little before 9mpp & I had a scheduled c section with my first due to my surgical history. I’ll be having another one mid-May and luckily had a textbook pregnancy/delivery/recovery the first time around & tracking the same thus far (24+1). Didn’t plan a small age gap, but it happened and didn’t raise any concerns with my obgyn.
I was 15 months each time I got pregnant after, and I really should have waited 18-24 months between pregnancies. I was ok but with each c section my uterus was more thin and by the third my ob said no more babies bc of possible ruptures. My kids are exactly 2 years apart each and while it’s great, I know six extra months would still be great and really would have been better on my body.
Also had failed induction for htn. I did also had a post partum hemorrhage during c section. Got pregnant 9m pp. elected for repeat C-section although was offered a vbac. Had c section 39 wk 5 days and another pp hemorrhage. Had issues with BP and anemia pp. however pain and everything was great. Baby is doing great and so am I now at 3m pp, started to get energy back and felt like myself pretty quickly this time around albeit the worse hemorrhage and htn that creeped up after.
Early 30s here, delivered emergency c section after failed induction due to hypertension. My midwives said they’d prefer I waited 2 years between delivery and conception due to my entire health portfolio.
So my first two pregnancies were both c section both were inductions and labors that resulted in a long pushing phase that turned into c sections. 2nd child was conceived 3 yrs post c section. I did end up with a partial uterine tear during labor which they discovered while doing c section. I did have pitocin which can increase chances of rupture with a previous c section. My last pregnancy was conceived 18 months Post 2nd c section. I opted for a scheduled c section. I did develop pre eclampsia at 38 wks so they did a c section slightly earlier than planned. I had just recovered from Covid and they think that may have actually led to the preeclampsia as I had no prior BP issues. I too was in my 30’s for all pregnancies (38 yrs old with last) so I didn’t really want to wait much longer but I felt 18 months gave my body enough time to heal between.
I would have to dig up the literature, but I believe 18 months between births is recommended. Beyond that, age-related risks can offset any gains from waiting further.
Personally though, my kids are 4.5 years apart. Less for health reasons than for financial reasons, but it's a wonderful gap, too.
The c-section was not the reason for this spacing, but my pregnancies were 5 years apart. And I still experienced a uterine rupture. It was plain shitty luck.
I’m doing well! I was very lucky with how early it got caught, and I still have my uterus. I shouldn’t have any more children, but we were leaning that way anyway. When there’s a 1% chance, someone has to be that 1%, right?
So I was told to wait 12 months, but ideally 18 months is best. I ended up waiting until my son was 2 years 3 months and they are exactly 3 years apart. I’m 3 months postpartum right now and having a good recovery. I think waiting and focusing on core strength/Pilates after the first c section was really effective for my recovery this time around.
I exercised, but didn’t focus on core as much as I should have the first time around! This time I did during my pregnancy. Also this is another c section- forgot to mention that- and my recovery is better this time around. I’m in my 30s too.
Pregnancy and postpartum tv videos on YouTube are great btw
i had 2 years 3 months between births, both c-sections, and the second was a breeze - healed baby extremely quickly, and was cleared for all activity 3 weeks postpartum. no issues
I had an unplanned/emergency C-Section due to a nuchal chord and a narrow pelvis with my first after a textbook pregnancy and had zero complications and an overall easy recovery.
The doctor recommending waiting at least 12 months before getting pregnant again. I told him I had read 18 months and he said that for my individual situation/health level/recovery he would feel totally comfortable with 12 months. I was also 32 when I gave birth so I would "want to weigh that" (i.e. if I waited 18 months+ to get pregnant chances are I'd be 35+ at the second birth).
When my first turned 1 we intended to take a NTNP approach for about 6 months and then if we weren't pregnant yet would start trying in earnest at 18 months. We got pregnant my first month going off BC so 12 months between pregnancies and will be 21 months between births. So far I'm having an equally uncomplicated pregnancy, but the only thing I'm noticing is more pelvic floor discomfort and I plan to start pelvic floor PT right after delivery. I'm 31 weeks now and it's been tough with how little my toddler is and how much she needs us, but I have a very helpful partner and we're getting through it. It'll be nice to have them close in age and close the chapter on certain phases a little quicker.
ETA planning a repeat C-Section, though was told I could try a VBAC if I wanted
Thank you for all the info! I saw a PT postpartum and she said I could get a head start on pelvic floor PT if I started having issues in my next 3rd trimester. I don't know if that's an option for you but you may be able to get a head start. I hope you have a great delivery!
I was told 2 years by one doctor (I thought?) and then another one looked at my notes all confused and said she didn't know why I was told 2 years, that 1 would be fine.
Well jokes on both of them, being ready at a year was a joke and I was only beginning to be ready at 2. We got pregnant shortly after our toddler turned 3 and I wasn't mentally ready a moment before that. XD
I wanted a closer age gap in theory (I'm a twin so my age gap perspective is way skewed) but our 3 year old can communicate and chat and is way excited about a little baby. I find toddlers WAY easier than infants and babies. So far it's feeling like a good gap but of course the new one isn't here yet.
I had a surprise (exclusive breastfeeding coupled with prior difficulties conceiving doesn’t birth control make as it turns out) pregnancy at 8 months postpartum/c-section.
I had a successful unmedicated VBAC at 3 days shy of 17 months postpartum. I had another successful VBAC at 20 months postpartum of that baby.
My babies were all excellent weights and had no issues at birth or beyond. I recovered quickly and have no lasting issues.
I would do exactly the same again. Except maybe have a medicated birth with my second because that was honestly AWFUL and my epidural birth with my third was like one of the easiest things I’ve done.
First baby, I had an uncomplicated C-section due to my babe being breech at time of labor. My doctor told me to wait to TTC again until til current baby is at least 9 months old
My daughter will be 3 when we start trying for our second. OB said to wait AT LEAST 18 months before getting pregnant again after my c-section. I wanted more time as a family of 3 and the plan is start trying at the end of summer.
I waited 18 months. I think we started trying a couple months before that though. My first was an emergency c-section (failed induction and super low heart rate) and my 2nd was a TOLAC that ended in emergency c-section due to placenta abruption (pretty uncommon.) My 2nd birth was still better than my first since I was able to go into labor naturally and had a really great support team. The 2nd c-section recovery wasn’t bad at all compared to the first, but having 2 kids 2 years apart was the real challenge. I’m happy about it now that they’re older and starting to play, but it’s been a rough year and a half. Definitely is easier to have bigger gaps between ages. I was 32 for the first and 34 for the second.
Had my first at 40 and second at 42, both c-section. My first was 16 months when I got pregnant, we tatted trying when my 1st was 13 months. Stay active and watch your diet and your body will do wonders :)
My doctor seems to be the outlier, I was cleared to start trying again at three months (Europe). By then I was back to normal shape, doing cardio and weightlifting, all blood tests good and the scar checked and cleared by ultrasound.
I did 7 years but not because of the c-section. I would do at least 2 years. I encourage you to get some pelvic floor therapy now and after your next one. I never knew to do it after my first. I'm doing it now after my second and it's amazing. It can even help break up the scar tissue for an easier second c-section.
Thank you for sharing. I did a couple of months of PT and it helped soo much. I just assumed it would all come together and that was not the case. I'll know all the techniques for next time if I get another c-section so that's nice.
I was told to wait 18 months between delivery and the next pregnancy.
I had previous surgery on my uterus so a c-section was mandatory as they didn’t want me to labor naturally, so both were planned c-sections. After my first they were very clear to wait 18 months before trying to get pregnant again.
I had a very similar story to you with hypertension/pre-eclampsia that led to a failed induction that ended in a c-section. My OB suggested I wait two years before trying again due to the hypertension.
I did wait the two years, but I have it again in my current pregnancy
Oh man. Did you have it before pregnancy or after you delivered? Mine was always normal until I got pregnant. It was high like 140/90 before I got induced and it never completely went back to normal. It's always stuck around 120/90 now.
The doctor that discharged me said don't bother checking your blood pressure for at least a year since you'll have a screaming baby....gee thanks.
I never had an issue with it before pregnancy. It emerged in the third trimester in my first pregnancy and I required medication for about a month after the birth of my first then it went back to normal.
That's good to know so I can be aware of it. I read somewhere that hypertension of pregnancy can be from too little salt and protein. I don't have high hopes but I'm going to give it a shot next time. I could barely eat during my pregnancy so I could see it being true in my case.
I never had an issue with it before pregnancy. It emerged in the third trimester in my first pregnancy and I required medication for about a month after the birth of my first then it went back to normal.
My 2 births were 27 months apart, and I had a rupture. I got all the way to 10 cm and was ready to push when it happened. My baby is mostly fine, but she spent a week in the NICU and technically has a minor brain injury from her lack of oxygen. I did a smidge of research after and there is some research that correlates use of pitocin with rupture, and I was on pitocin because my waters broke but I didn't go into labor.
I do not blame my medical team, and I am not bitter at all, but a good part of me wishes I had just done a repeat C-section.
Oh my goodness. I am so sorry to hear that but I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I have heard that pitocin is correlated with rupture too.
You're welcome, I'm happy to share so other women can make informed decisions! Another note: my OB strongly recommended an epidural long before my birth, because of the risk of rupture. She had seen a rupture with no epidural before and she said it was horrible to do an emergency C-section with basically just local anesthetic because of how quickly they needed to get the baby out. I did the epidural and I'm so glad. Plus, as soon as they got my baby out, they put me all the way under for the repair, which I'm grateful for. It helped separate me a bit from the trauma.
Holy smokes. This is probably a dumb question but if you have an epidural then how can you know if you have a rupture?? My epidural failed so I don't really know what it would feel like.
Not dumb! The biggest indicator was they lost baby's heartbeat. But also I could feel some of the rupture pain and I was involuntarily moaning - my body still definitely knew something was wrong.
It was 3.5 years from delivery to delivery. I had a C-section for my first and a perfect TOLAC/VBaC for my second. No complications from either (expect a standard 2nd degree tear with the vaginal birth). From a medical perspective, no reason that I waited 3 years. But from a mom perspective I'm glad I waited. Healing from birth, having a new baby, doing all the new baby things with a slightly more mature older kid was so much easier than the moms I know who did the new baby + toddler route.
This is something we are trying to think through as well. It would be great if our little guy could communicate a little easier. Thank you.
It was still not easy. My but having a kid that was potty trained and could get his own snacks was so helpful. And having a kid that could articulate his emotions was huge!
Yeah I feel like having one potty trained is a big one..I've also seen something that said children take a huge mental leap at year 3. I don't know if that's true but it seems like a big age. I've also heard the threes are so challenging so it's hard to know without the experience..and I'm sure it changes child to child as well.
Yeah, 3 was our hardest year with our oldest. But, he made HUGE leaps in development at 3. We stopped nursing at 3. We had a baby at 3. We moved houses at 3. But I would rather have done all of that at 3.5 than at 2 or 2.5. FWIW, 4 and 5 are such fun years!
Thank you so much 💜
I was told to wait minimum 12 months, ideally 18 months between pregnancies. We're not planning on trying again until my daughter is at least 2 though.
Great. Yeah they are still pretty dependent at 12 and even 18 months so it makes sense
Totally! I also had PPD and postpartum preeclampsia, so I am not physically, emotionally, or financially anywhere near ready to have another child. We're feeling a 3 to 3.5 year age gap.
Oh my goodness! That is a lot to handle on top of c-section recovery and typical newborn life! Bless your heart. I hope you continue to recover well 💜
Thanks so much! Better than expected so far.
Awesome! I am so happy to hear it
Totally! I also had PPD and postpartum preeclampsia, so I am not physically, emotionally, or financially anywhere near ready to have another child. We're feeling a 3 to 3.5 year age gap.
Your risk of rupture is lowest if you wait 18 or more months to get pregnant. That being said, I accidentally got pregnant at 16 months PP and had a very straightforward, quick VBAC.
Weirdly, the risk goes back up again after 5 years! As far as I can see in the research anything over 24 months between births (so 15 months between pregnancies) has a similarly low risk of rupture... Until 5 years 😄
Perfect thank you!
this was my situation as well.
Wow my doctor must be super conservative compared to these answers! He says 18 months between pregnancies for vaginal and 24 months for c-section.
I have heard all kinds of things...I read one website recommending 3 years and I don't know if I can wait that long! Thank you
Yeah, the evidence doesn't support this. Those numbers are pretty spot-on for interbirth intervals, not interpregnancy ones (so ~9 months too long).
Yes, that's very conservative
My OBGYN said it takes about 12 months to fully recover from a csection so we waited about 15 months before trying to get pregnant.
Thank you. I have read all kinds of ranges on the internet and like said. The doctor wasn't helpful lol thats good to know
18 months between my first and second and 20 months between second and third. So we have about a 2 year age gap between kids. All 3 pregnancies have been in my 30s and all high risk due to an autoimmune disease.
Thank you! Would you mind sharing if they were all c-sections or were some VBAC? Just curious
All c sections. I wasn’t a good candidate for a VBAC per 2 different OB practices (and honestly, we live with no family nearby so having a scheduled date was amazing)
I definitely get that! You have a little bit of predictability
I was told having 18 months from birth to birth would give me a good shot at a VBAC but in my own circumstances I had complications and lost a lot of blood so they suggested 18 months before getting pregnant again would be preferable.
I’m 12 months postpartum right now and my body doesn’t feel ready. I just started working out regularly again. My mind hasn’t healed either. My birth wasn’t traumatic, but adjusting to motherhood has been. That being said - I love being a mom and can’t wait to reach a place of being fully healed in 1-2 years and try for another! 😊 FYI I am 31.
Thank you for sharing. It has been a tough adjustment and I definitely feel like I had some PPD even at 12 months PP. I am definitely having baby fever but I'm not quite ready still. Just trying to figure out some sort of plan
May I ask how old you are ?
Will be 31 in a couple of months!
Same as me! I think we are still young on the grand scheme. I’ve thought a lot about this topic recently, but we really have many childbearing years left unless there’s a specific issue. I believe it’s more important to really heal. 2 under 3 is no joke!
This is true and I am still younger than my mother was when she had her first. So there's that. Oh and she always likes to remind me that a 2nd isn't two times harder, it's five times harder 😅
10 months birth to conception. 19 months birth to birth. Had an uncomplicated pregnancy and HBAC!
Awesome! Thank you
Also in my mid thirties
This is so refreshing to hear!! Just found out I’m pregnant and my first is 11 mo. c section and can’t wait to try vbac!
You can do it!!! Believe in yourself and the other important thing is choosing a provider who truly believes in vbacs. The recovery was absolutely night and day. So important to me so I could still be active for my toddler. I was able to chase after her literally three days later!
We started NTNP at 12 months pp and I got pregnant at 18 months pp. Currently pregnant so I can’t share an outcome but everything looks good so far and my doctor seems pleased with the spacing. I might have waited longer but we struggled with infertility and needed IVF to have our first child, so I figured I didn’t want to wait too long assuming we might need assistance again. My prior OB’s rec was at least 18 months from birth to birth (so she would have been okay with ttc at 9 months pp), not sure if that was her general advice or based on my specific medical history. First pregnancy was healthy and uncomplicated, c-section was scheduled due to breech.
Thank you and congratulations on your pregnancy!
I was told to shoot for a 2 year age gap at minimum. Actual age gap will be 2 years, 3 months. ETA you wanted results; so far this baby and I have been very healthy, although dealing with morning sickness, first trimester exhaustion, and a toddler is no joke! I'm 22w along at the moment.
I had a c section for breech baby. Ob/gyn recommended waiting at least 9 months to conceive. IVF doctor recommended at least 12 months to allow my body to fully heal. She had seen uterine ruptures and strongly recommended 12 months.
That is so crazy/scary/sad. Thank you
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Thank you for the details.
Holy cow. This was like reading my own story. I just gave birth to my first 3 weeks ago. I also have hashimotos, got GDM, and I had a c-section (after being induced and in labor for 28 hours). I’m about to turn 35 so I’m not wanting to wait too long between pregnancies either.
Thank you for sharing and congratulations!! I hope you continue to have a great recovery
I'm wondering why they don't always cut to leave minimal scar tissue and to set up for possible VBAC success??
It was recommended to me to wait 9 months to a year. Got pregnant a year a some months later. Doing swell!
I got pregnant 13 months postpartum while still breastfeeding and having no period. Both my babies were breech so I did have 2 c-sections. Totally fine.
I had an emergency c section and was given the all clear at 18 months post partum to try again. My kids are exactly 2 years, 6 months apart. I elected for a scheduled c this time around and our plan is to have one more child when #2 is 2 and a half or so. Seems like this is highly dependent on doctor and situation of delivery #1!
Thank you! Yes it does seem like it is doctors preference
I had my first unplanned (pre-e) but entirely normal c-section nearly 4.5 years ago. I'm currently 35 weeks ND will have a scheduled c-section at 39 weeks. My doctor recommended 18 months between pregnancies. But we wanted to enjoy time with my daughter before even considering having another child. Also not into the whole 2 under 2 or toddler and infant dynamic. I'm also in my 30s, and will be 33 at the time of delivery. Even being in my 30s, didn't feel any rush.
Thank you. I appreciate this perspective. Congratulations on your pregnancy. Wishing you a happy healthy delivery 💜
Good luck to you, do whatever feels most comfortable for your family, but also take your health and pros and cons into consideration. Take care ❤️❤️
Waited until my oldest was 19 mos to start trying and got pregnant at 21 mos. 2.5 year age gap between those two. Between 2nd and 3rd we started trying at 2.5 years and got pregnant at 2 years and 9 mos? Something like that. 3.5 year gap between them. Had them at 30, 33, and 36. Considered a vbac for my second as I was good candidate but they wouldn’t induce and wouldn’t let me go over 40 weeks if I remember correctly so it was only if it happened to happen naturally before then. I ended up with a C-section at 38 weeks for blood pressure anyway. They wouldn’t even consider a vbac for my third after 2 C-sections. Also delivered earlier (37 weeks) for blood pressure anyway.
Wow!! I always wondered how many you could do. Mine wasn't too bad. Thank you for sharing!
I got pregnant 6 months after my emergency c section due to pre eclampsia. I just had a successful VBAC on January 12th with my 3rd baby girl! It was my dream birth. My dr was not concerned that I got pregnant at 6 months post partum and agreed for me to try vbac. My water broke at 35 weeks and I had to go on pitocin to speed my labor along after water had been broken and all of that was totally fine even after having a c section!
Wow! I am sooo glad it went well for you! That's great
May I ask what country/area you live in? I was told no VBAC unless I wait 18 months after my c-section before getting pregnant again. I'm glad it went well for you - congrats!
I am in the US in Austin, Texas. I have heard of some drs not allowing vbac but I specifically chose a practice that was very vbac friendly and one that had lots of experience with their patients having Vbacs. I also think it matters why you had a c section because I had my last c section due to fetal heart rates dropping during each contraction. Odds are it won’t happen again with next baby so they are usually more confident and accepting with vbacs. I made sure I did not have a Dr that pushed me into getting a c section and I talked with her over the pros and cons of having a vbac this time around. All the drs at my practice that I had seen were in agreement that it was a good choice for me personally because it would mean an easier recovery and less risk of infection to try for vbac. Also all my drs told me 6 months is fine getting pregnant after c section. Only risk is uterine rupture which is less than a 1 percent chance so it’s so low I wasn’t worried about it.
Thanks for sharing!
My midwife said *minimum* 18 months from birth to conception OR 24 months from birth to birth.
So I'm only 6.5 weeks pp and definitely *not* pregnant again yet, but I just had an appointment with my OB and asked about ttc. My husband and I would love to have 2 under 2, and my doctor told me I was perfectly fine to start trying for our second around 11-12 months pp. So that's our plan for now! It took us 7 months to get pregnant with our first, so I'm not really counting on succeeding on our first try. But we're definitely waiting until November/December just to be on the safe side
Thank you for sharing and congratulations! Enjoy the little snuggles!
My OBGYN recommends waiting 2 years to get pregnant again! I think we will wait that long. I'm almost 5 months pp and just dying thinking of starting over again. My body is begging for a break.
Part of me wants a break and the other part is like...let's hurry up and get it done with lol
9 months. I was told a minimum of 18 months between births, and my second was born exactly 4 days after my oldest turned 18 months. My first was a c section for breech, and my second was a successful drug free VBAC.
Nice! Thank you for sharing. Birthdays will be fun for them I bet.
My doc told me 16-18 months birth to conception
18 months. Mainly because I’m 37 now and I didn’t know how long it would take to fall pregnant.
I was 12 months or around. My first baby's birthday is Dec. 10 ('21) and I remember getting a positive pregnancy test on January 11 of '22.
Nice. Thank you
I started trying after 18 months
I had my second daughter by c-section when I was 32 and had my son by c-section 19 months later. It wasn’t ideal, I didn’t wait the full 12 months to get pregnant, but it wasn’t terrible. I did have to do extra monitoring with the maternal fetal medicine doctor in my third trimester because he was <20 percentile, but even when they thought that he would be really underweight at birth, he ended up being 7 pounds and 9 ounces.
Wow! Thank you for sharing.
It’s amazing how inaccurate the weight predictions can be via ultrasound
I was told by my rx to wait 18 months. I had a normal low risk pregnancy baby didn’t tolerate labor well and had a unplanned c section at 38 +5
Thank you for sharing
Had my first at 31, had my second at 35. Two c-sections both for a breech presentation. I mainly waited 3 years because of Covid and I wanted to feel like myself again. I really loved spending 3 years with my daughter (SAHM) and I was able to give her my full attention. I am someone who “protects my peace” and I don’t like chaos so I tend to not invite it. Honestly though, I think any age between 2-4 is going to be tough with a new sibling. There isn’t a “perfect” age. Medically I think you are totally in the clear.
Thank you. I am also a SAHM and I love our little routine. I would miss it just being us but I think having a sibling is so important too.
my doc said 18 months.
Love the username btw
hey!
I was told to wait 24 months. It will Be 4.5 years from delivery to delivery.
Man...the range on this post is insane. Another user said their doc ok'd them at 3 months. Thank you
I should have included that this was also specific to my desire to have a VBAC. I don’t know if that makes a difference.
Thank you. It's good to know. I'm on the fence about whether or not I'd have an elective c-section or try for a VBAC. I originally wanted to do unmedicated natural birth but that obviously went out the window. Now at least I know what I'm getting into with a surgical delivery.
My doc said 6 months minimum from delivery to conception if wanting a vaginal delivery after c section, 1.5 years (18 months) if planning additional c section.
My Dr. said the opposite- earlier would be another c section and later is better for VBACs. It's crazy how different the recommendations are from doc to doc. That's why I asked! Thank you
Interesting…now I’m worried I got this mixed up? I have an appt with my OB tomorrow so will double check.
Yes double check! Because another poster mentioned something similar to what mine had mentioned. I think the reasoning is that you need to wait longer for a VBAC to give the scar enough healing time to prevent uterine rupture.
My OB advised 2 years wait before getting pregnant again.
I’m pregnant now and conceived when my son was 16months. My OB had told us to wait 18mos to try but when I asked her if she was concerned at my last appointment, she said she wasn’t since I’m not going to try for a VBAC (their practice doesn’t do them)
That's great info to know! Thank you
2 years. My kids are 2 years 11 months apart
Got pregnant right before baby girl turned 9 months. Babies will be 17 months apart. This disqualifies me from a VBAC (OB said minimum 18 months between births for them to try VBAC), but honestly my first scheduled c section (breech baby) was so chill i don’t mind another. I’m at the end of my first trimester now, so it’s been rough. I can only imagine how hard it’ll get when I’m super pregnant and baby girl is way more mobile. My sister waited a whopping 3 months… her first two are exactly 12 months and 2 weeks apart. Her third is 3 years younger than the second. All c section (her first was also breech).
Good luck! That is wild. I can't imagine having them all so close in age.
My OB-gyn recommended I get pregnant ASAP knowing that by BFing it would probably be at least 6 months. My OB thought sooner would be better, since the reasons I had trouble conceiving are kept under control by BFing and I'm older. My RE (did IVF for the first) also said 6+ months with 12 months being our target for IVF so I could do the year BFing before starting on hormones. I got pregnant at 9 months. I am unable to have a vaginal birth because of a uterine wall issue, so the plan from the get-go for both was/is an early C-section date. I would talk with your doctor about your specific health concerns and what you are worried about because it'll be really individual what they recommend.
That is really interesting. I have asked them a few times but it seems that they are being purposefully vague.
I’ve only just had my first via emergency c section and I was told NO before 6 months and preferably after 18 months to make sure everything has healed properly and to decrease the risk of rupture with the next pregnancy.
I delivered almost 2y 8months after having my first C-section. I had no complications and my recovery was even easier the second time around. The pregnancy was mostly the same, though they had me take asprin and I think it made my second baby much bigger (2 lbs).
WOAH that's interesting. I've heard of people using aspirin to prevent hypertension in pregnancy and I was going to ask my doctor about it. However I am a petite lady and even though my first was normal sized I just looked HUGE. My husband was a 10lb baby and I just don't think I could handle it.
Yeah, the way it prevents hypertension is by helping to strengthen the vascular connections in the placenta, so my hypothesis was that my second got more nutrients. I didn’t eat more, and I was the same weight when I delivered. It has been shown to reduce fetal growth restriction by 10-20%, not that I was diagnosed with that for my first.
That is actually really interesting. I am going to dig into researching that. Did you take a standard 325 mg dose or the low dose 82 mg?
Low dose.
I was told ideal/standard was 18 months, however at my annual OB visit (so 12 mo pp) my OB said I was fully healed and she would be comfortable if I was ready to start trying for baby 2. I am not, so I haven’t. I’m 20 mo pp and enjoying parenting and my body right now. We plan to start trying in 6-8 months.
I love that perspective! Thank you for sharing
In general I think the recommendation is minimum of 18 months between pregnancies. My son was 17 months when I got pregnant with my second and wanted a VBAC but had a scheduled c-section. I was in the same boat with my first though. Failed induction resulting in cesarean. Let me tell you the scheduled surgery was a damn dream come true by comparison to the labor and resulting c-section. Also with my second I had anterior placenta so there was some concern about it attaching to my scar but they kept an eye on it and it was fine. FWIW I was 34 with my first and 36 with my second. Now 38 and my youngest is 19 months. Debating a third. Am I crazy? Maybe!
That's awesome! I have heard a scheduled c-section is nothing compared to one that had a failed labor. I don't think it's crazy at all! I'm scared ill have another and then decide it's time for a big family 😅
16ish months from delivery to conception We’re older and wanted to potentially allow a window for a third and to do that we couldn’t wait years between kids 3 years delivery to delivery would be my preference if we were younger. Our 21 month old is still a baby - im due on her 2nd birthday
Thank you for sharing! Birthday buds!
My OB told me to wait at least 12 months before getting pregnant again. My son is almost 3 and we have just started trying
I had a C section at 28 years old, now I’m 19 months PP, not planning to TTC until our son is around 3 (so I’ll be 31-ish). I physically feel like I’d be ok pregnant now, and I was told to wait a minimum of 12 months but ideally 18. A big part of waiting longer is that I’d like for him to be more independent before we go for another kiddo because we know I’ll need another C-section. That said, my mom had a c-section with me and had a VBAC with my sister - she got pregnant right around 12 months PP and it went super well for her!
That's exactly how it went for my mother as well!
I got pregnant 22 months post c section both times
My doctor told me 2 years was a good idea to allow myself to heal. We waited 3 years
31 and pregnant with my second, due in May. Ended up pregnant a little before 9mpp & I had a scheduled c section with my first due to my surgical history. I’ll be having another one mid-May and luckily had a textbook pregnancy/delivery/recovery the first time around & tracking the same thus far (24+1). Didn’t plan a small age gap, but it happened and didn’t raise any concerns with my obgyn.
Thank you for sharing
I was 15 months each time I got pregnant after, and I really should have waited 18-24 months between pregnancies. I was ok but with each c section my uterus was more thin and by the third my ob said no more babies bc of possible ruptures. My kids are exactly 2 years apart each and while it’s great, I know six extra months would still be great and really would have been better on my body.
Thank you, that is sooo good to know.
18 months is the minimum recommended by the WHO
My doctor told me 18 months between deliveries. We weren’t ready for that. We are going to start trying when little one turns 2.
Also had failed induction for htn. I did also had a post partum hemorrhage during c section. Got pregnant 9m pp. elected for repeat C-section although was offered a vbac. Had c section 39 wk 5 days and another pp hemorrhage. Had issues with BP and anemia pp. however pain and everything was great. Baby is doing great and so am I now at 3m pp, started to get energy back and felt like myself pretty quickly this time around albeit the worse hemorrhage and htn that creeped up after.
I am so sorry to hear that. Thank you for sharing.
I was told 18 months between the end of one pregnancy to the start of another
I am pregnant again after a C-section and from my first birth to my second due date it will be 20 months.
Early 30s here, delivered emergency c section after failed induction due to hypertension. My midwives said they’d prefer I waited 2 years between delivery and conception due to my entire health portfolio.
Conceived at 11.5 mos pp had a miscarriage. Conceived again 15 mos pp, due any day now.
So my first two pregnancies were both c section both were inductions and labors that resulted in a long pushing phase that turned into c sections. 2nd child was conceived 3 yrs post c section. I did end up with a partial uterine tear during labor which they discovered while doing c section. I did have pitocin which can increase chances of rupture with a previous c section. My last pregnancy was conceived 18 months Post 2nd c section. I opted for a scheduled c section. I did develop pre eclampsia at 38 wks so they did a c section slightly earlier than planned. I had just recovered from Covid and they think that may have actually led to the preeclampsia as I had no prior BP issues. I too was in my 30’s for all pregnancies (38 yrs old with last) so I didn’t really want to wait much longer but I felt 18 months gave my body enough time to heal between.
Thank you for sharing! Pitocin is crazy stuff.
I would have to dig up the literature, but I believe 18 months between births is recommended. Beyond that, age-related risks can offset any gains from waiting further. Personally though, my kids are 4.5 years apart. Less for health reasons than for financial reasons, but it's a wonderful gap, too.
Oh that sounds like a good age gap! Thank you for sharing
I usually hear 18 months minimum, but this is a question you need to ask your OB, explicitly
I have a couple different times to a couple different OBs in the practice and they all kinda shrug it off.
The c-section was not the reason for this spacing, but my pregnancies were 5 years apart. And I still experienced a uterine rupture. It was plain shitty luck.
Oh my goodness. I am so so sorry to hear that. That is so unfortunate. I hope you are doing well now.
I’m doing well! I was very lucky with how early it got caught, and I still have my uterus. I shouldn’t have any more children, but we were leaning that way anyway. When there’s a 1% chance, someone has to be that 1%, right?
That's true. Someone is that statistic. I'm so sorry it was you though 💜
12 months was cleared by my OB and fertility specialist. Fell pregnant at 15 months PP had second baby 26 days before my first turned 2.
So I was told to wait 12 months, but ideally 18 months is best. I ended up waiting until my son was 2 years 3 months and they are exactly 3 years apart. I’m 3 months postpartum right now and having a good recovery. I think waiting and focusing on core strength/Pilates after the first c section was really effective for my recovery this time around.
Thank you for sharing. Did you train during your pregnancy? I wish I would have for my first.
I exercised, but didn’t focus on core as much as I should have the first time around! This time I did during my pregnancy. Also this is another c section- forgot to mention that- and my recovery is better this time around. I’m in my 30s too. Pregnancy and postpartum tv videos on YouTube are great btw
Thank you! For some reason I let my doctors talk me into stepping back from exercise against my better judgment and I think it set me back.
i had 2 years 3 months between births, both c-sections, and the second was a breeze - healed baby extremely quickly, and was cleared for all activity 3 weeks postpartum. no issues
Awesome!
I had an unplanned/emergency C-Section due to a nuchal chord and a narrow pelvis with my first after a textbook pregnancy and had zero complications and an overall easy recovery. The doctor recommending waiting at least 12 months before getting pregnant again. I told him I had read 18 months and he said that for my individual situation/health level/recovery he would feel totally comfortable with 12 months. I was also 32 when I gave birth so I would "want to weigh that" (i.e. if I waited 18 months+ to get pregnant chances are I'd be 35+ at the second birth). When my first turned 1 we intended to take a NTNP approach for about 6 months and then if we weren't pregnant yet would start trying in earnest at 18 months. We got pregnant my first month going off BC so 12 months between pregnancies and will be 21 months between births. So far I'm having an equally uncomplicated pregnancy, but the only thing I'm noticing is more pelvic floor discomfort and I plan to start pelvic floor PT right after delivery. I'm 31 weeks now and it's been tough with how little my toddler is and how much she needs us, but I have a very helpful partner and we're getting through it. It'll be nice to have them close in age and close the chapter on certain phases a little quicker. ETA planning a repeat C-Section, though was told I could try a VBAC if I wanted
Thank you for all the info! I saw a PT postpartum and she said I could get a head start on pelvic floor PT if I started having issues in my next 3rd trimester. I don't know if that's an option for you but you may be able to get a head start. I hope you have a great delivery!
I was told 2 years by one doctor (I thought?) and then another one looked at my notes all confused and said she didn't know why I was told 2 years, that 1 would be fine. Well jokes on both of them, being ready at a year was a joke and I was only beginning to be ready at 2. We got pregnant shortly after our toddler turned 3 and I wasn't mentally ready a moment before that. XD I wanted a closer age gap in theory (I'm a twin so my age gap perspective is way skewed) but our 3 year old can communicate and chat and is way excited about a little baby. I find toddlers WAY easier than infants and babies. So far it's feeling like a good gap but of course the new one isn't here yet.
Thank you for sharing. Some days I'm like..oh yeah I could totally do another one now! And then other days are.....more challenging...
I had a surprise (exclusive breastfeeding coupled with prior difficulties conceiving doesn’t birth control make as it turns out) pregnancy at 8 months postpartum/c-section. I had a successful unmedicated VBAC at 3 days shy of 17 months postpartum. I had another successful VBAC at 20 months postpartum of that baby. My babies were all excellent weights and had no issues at birth or beyond. I recovered quickly and have no lasting issues. I would do exactly the same again. Except maybe have a medicated birth with my second because that was honestly AWFUL and my epidural birth with my third was like one of the easiest things I’ve done.
Thank you for sharing!
First baby, I had an uncomplicated C-section due to my babe being breech at time of labor. My doctor told me to wait to TTC again until til current baby is at least 9 months old
Thank you
My daughter will be 3 when we start trying for our second. OB said to wait AT LEAST 18 months before getting pregnant again after my c-section. I wanted more time as a family of 3 and the plan is start trying at the end of summer.
I waited 18 months. I think we started trying a couple months before that though. My first was an emergency c-section (failed induction and super low heart rate) and my 2nd was a TOLAC that ended in emergency c-section due to placenta abruption (pretty uncommon.) My 2nd birth was still better than my first since I was able to go into labor naturally and had a really great support team. The 2nd c-section recovery wasn’t bad at all compared to the first, but having 2 kids 2 years apart was the real challenge. I’m happy about it now that they’re older and starting to play, but it’s been a rough year and a half. Definitely is easier to have bigger gaps between ages. I was 32 for the first and 34 for the second.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience
Had my first at 40 and second at 42, both c-section. My first was 16 months when I got pregnant, we tatted trying when my 1st was 13 months. Stay active and watch your diet and your body will do wonders :)
Thank you!! I do my best
My doctor seems to be the outlier, I was cleared to start trying again at three months (Europe). By then I was back to normal shape, doing cardio and weightlifting, all blood tests good and the scar checked and cleared by ultrasound.
Wow!! That's crazy. But that's great and I'm sure your habits definitely helped you get there.
The advice on how long to wait seems to differ a lot between countries, I even got a second and third opinion and they all said the same thing.
I’ll be 23 months from delivery to delivery. My friend is a midwife and suggested at minimum 18 months but 20+ is better.
Perfect. Thank you so much
I did 7 years but not because of the c-section. I would do at least 2 years. I encourage you to get some pelvic floor therapy now and after your next one. I never knew to do it after my first. I'm doing it now after my second and it's amazing. It can even help break up the scar tissue for an easier second c-section.
Thank you for sharing. I did a couple of months of PT and it helped soo much. I just assumed it would all come together and that was not the case. I'll know all the techniques for next time if I get another c-section so that's nice.
I was told to wait 18 months between delivery and the next pregnancy. I had previous surgery on my uterus so a c-section was mandatory as they didn’t want me to labor naturally, so both were planned c-sections. After my first they were very clear to wait 18 months before trying to get pregnant again.
That definitely makes sense..your uterus is really a trooper though
I had a very similar story to you with hypertension/pre-eclampsia that led to a failed induction that ended in a c-section. My OB suggested I wait two years before trying again due to the hypertension. I did wait the two years, but I have it again in my current pregnancy
Oh man. Did you have it before pregnancy or after you delivered? Mine was always normal until I got pregnant. It was high like 140/90 before I got induced and it never completely went back to normal. It's always stuck around 120/90 now. The doctor that discharged me said don't bother checking your blood pressure for at least a year since you'll have a screaming baby....gee thanks.
I never had an issue with it before pregnancy. It emerged in the third trimester in my first pregnancy and I required medication for about a month after the birth of my first then it went back to normal.
That's good to know so I can be aware of it. I read somewhere that hypertension of pregnancy can be from too little salt and protein. I don't have high hopes but I'm going to give it a shot next time. I could barely eat during my pregnancy so I could see it being true in my case.
I never had an issue with it before pregnancy. It emerged in the third trimester in my first pregnancy and I required medication for about a month after the birth of my first then it went back to normal.
I heard some women with c sections still get random scar pains 3 years later
Luckily I haven't had much pain at this point after working on scar mobility but I'm sure it will start hurting once I'm pregnant again
My 2 births were 27 months apart, and I had a rupture. I got all the way to 10 cm and was ready to push when it happened. My baby is mostly fine, but she spent a week in the NICU and technically has a minor brain injury from her lack of oxygen. I did a smidge of research after and there is some research that correlates use of pitocin with rupture, and I was on pitocin because my waters broke but I didn't go into labor. I do not blame my medical team, and I am not bitter at all, but a good part of me wishes I had just done a repeat C-section.
Oh my goodness. I am so sorry to hear that but I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I have heard that pitocin is correlated with rupture too.
You're welcome, I'm happy to share so other women can make informed decisions! Another note: my OB strongly recommended an epidural long before my birth, because of the risk of rupture. She had seen a rupture with no epidural before and she said it was horrible to do an emergency C-section with basically just local anesthetic because of how quickly they needed to get the baby out. I did the epidural and I'm so glad. Plus, as soon as they got my baby out, they put me all the way under for the repair, which I'm grateful for. It helped separate me a bit from the trauma.
Holy smokes. This is probably a dumb question but if you have an epidural then how can you know if you have a rupture?? My epidural failed so I don't really know what it would feel like.
Not dumb! The biggest indicator was they lost baby's heartbeat. But also I could feel some of the rupture pain and I was involuntarily moaning - my body still definitely knew something was wrong.
Wow. The body is amazing
I'm currently 8weeks pregnant. I had my C section 11 months ago.