If you had a cesarean section (also called a C-section), you may have questions about future pregnancies and births. And you’re not alone: About 32 percent of births in the United States are by cesarean section, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While having a C-section increases your risk of certain complications and the likelihood of having another C-section in future pregnancies, every pregnancy and birth is different. Read on to learn more about getting pregnant after a C-section, including how long experts recommend waiting before getting pregnant, risks to watch out for, and things to discuss with your healthcare provider.
When can I get pregnant again after a cesarean section?
Many doctors recommend waiting 18 to 24 months after giving birth before trying to conceive again, especially if you had a C-section. This period of rest gives your body a chance to recover and heal from the surgery.
“When considering when it is safe to get pregnant again, we look at the interpregnancy interval (IPI),” says Pamela Promethean, MD, an obstetrician and professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth/UT Physicians in Houston. “IPI is the time between giving birth and the start of your next pregnancy. There is evidence that a short IPI of less than 18 months is associated with a higher risk of pregnancy complications in subsequent pregnancies.”
However, some people can conceive sooner. If you’re hoping to add to your family and have recently had a C-section, you should speak to your obstetrician-gynecologist or healthcare provider for further advice.
What are the risks of getting pregnant after a C-section?
Research has shown that getting pregnant within six months of a C-section may increase your risk of certain complications, including:
- Uterine rupture : Waiting a long time to get pregnant after a C-section reduces the risk of uterine rupture and scarring.
- Placenta accreta : There is a risk that the placenta will adhere to the lining of the uterus or an existing C-section scar.
- Preterm birth : Pregnancies after cesarean section may be at increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
The risks associated with pregnancy after a C-section extend to childbirth. If you want to try a vaginal birth after a C-section (also known as a VBAC), there’s even more reason to consider delaying pregnancy. Studies have found that there’s a higher incidence of uterine rupture in VBACs if the birth interval is less than 18 months. Opting for a second C-section is a potentially lower-risk option.
Will a C-section affect my fertility?
More research is needed to see whether a C-section affects your ability to become pregnant again. Some studies have shown that a C-section doesn’t affect fertility, but other studies have shown that scarring in the uterus may affect some people’s ability to become pregnant again.
If there is a link between C-sections and infertility, it may have to do with the underlying reason for having a C-section in the first place, rather than the C-section surgery itself. In most cases, a previous C-section does not affect your ability to become pregnant in the future.
How age affects pregnancy timing
After age 35, you may not want to wait more than a year before trying for another child, because the risk of infertility increases with age. If your age or family goals mean you want to try closer together, talk to your doctor. If you’ve had a healthy pregnancy before, you may be able to try again sooner.
What should you ask your health care provider about pregnancy after a C-section?
If you’ve had a C-section and are thinking about adding to your family now or in the future, here are some questions you should ask your health care provider:
- How long should I wait before trying to conceive?
- Can I have a VBAC or will my doctor recommend a planned C-section? Why?
- Will my doctor recommend additional screening tests or ultrasounds in my next pregnancy?
It’s important to discuss all of your options for pregnancy after a C-section and the risks associated with them. Every prenatal care provider is different, and every person and pregnancy is different. A healthcare provider who knows your health history can give you the most accurate information based on your age, health, and other risk factors.
