Health risks increase with each subsequent Cesarean, yet some people get six or more without complication.
Each repeat C-section is generally more complicated than the last. However, research hasn't established the exact number of repeat C-sections considered safe. Women who have multiple repeat cesarean deliveries are at increased risk of: Problems with the placenta.
Kristina House (USA) has given birth to 11 children (six girls and five boys) all by Caesarean section between 15 May 1979 and 20 November 1998.
“So, every patient is different and every case is unique. However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”
There's usually no limit to the number of caesarean sections you can have. But the more caesareans you have, the longer each operation will take and the higher your risk of serious complications becomes. You will have scar tissue where your wounds have healed after each operation.
Results: Five or more caesarean sections were associated with a longer operating time as well as an increased rate of severe adhesions.
There's usually no limit to the number of caesarean sections that you can have. But the more you have, the longer each operation will take, and the higher your risk of complications becomes (Biler et al 2017, RCOG 2016).
Giving birth to your baby vaginally after several caesareans (VBAC) is possible. Most women who have had up to four caesarean births are able to have a successful VBAC without any complications (NHS 2019, NICE 2021, RCOG 2015).
Which Country Has the Most C-Sections Each Year? The country with the highest rate of C-sections each year is the country of Turkey, according to the most recent statistics.
In the United States in 2021, the rate of primary cesarean deliveries was 22.3 per 100 live births to women who have not had a previous cesarean delivery, or of all live births.
Ideally, your doctor will cut through the same scar so that you don't have multiple scars on your abdomen and uterus. Sometimes scar tissue can be difficult to cut through but your doctor should be able to cut through it.
Getting pregnant after a c-section
It's important to give your body time to recover before you start trying to get pregnant again. You will need to wait at least 6 months but your doctor or midwife may advise you to wait for 12–18 months. The longer you leave your scar to heal, the stronger it will be.
Women can reproduce for about half of their lifetime and can only give birth about once every year or so. So it makes sense that women can only have a fraction as many children as men. One study estimated a woman can have around 15 pregnancies in a lifetime.
More Children after C-Section
If you've already had a c-section, you may wonder if you can have more children. After one, possibly even two cesarean sections, Dr. Boswell said it is safe to attempt to have a vaginal birth. This is known as a Trial of Labor after Cesarean Section (TOLAC).
Cesarean section also requires a longer recovery time, and operative complications such as lacerations and bleeding may occur, at rates varying from 6% for elective cesarean to 15% for emergency cesarean.
If you've already had a cesarean birth (also called c-section), you may be able to have your next baby vaginally. This is called a vaginal birth after cesarean (also called VBAC). Cesarean birth is surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your health care provider makes in your belly and uterus.
Long-Term Effects of C-Sections
Children born by C-section also suffer increased rates of diseases, including asthma, type I diabetes, allergies, obesity, as well as reduced overall cognitive functioning and lower academic performance.
Pain intensity, wish for more analgesics and most interference outcomes were significantly worse after CS compared with hysterectomies.
'Spice Girl' turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham has four children and delivered them all via c-sections. Brooklyn (1999), Romeo (2002), Cruz (2005) and Harper (2011) were all born by elective caesareans.
Michelle recalled the details, saying she had “13 VBACS (vaginal birth after c-section) in a row, 4 C-sections.” Included in all of those births were the two sets of twins!! More in love than ever with his wife, Jim Bob spoke about how he believes having all of these children is helping her stay young.
This study shows that CS scar myometrial thickness is not static and changes throughout pregnancy in the study population. Our data also suggest that in a women's group with a CS niche in the first trimester, the CS scar myometrial LUS thickness reduces more rapidly between the second and third trimesters.
With each C-section, there's a higher chance of scar tissue buildup, heavy bleeding, and problems with the placenta.
A C-section might be recommended for women with certain health issues, such as a heart or brain condition. There's a blockage. A large fibroid blocking the birth canal, a pelvic fracture or a baby who has a condition that can cause the head to be unusually large (severe hydrocephalus) might be reasons for a C-section.
Some of the main risks to you of having a caesarean include: infection of the wound (common) – causing redness, swelling, increasing pain and discharge from the wound. infection of the womb lining (common) – symptoms include a fever, tummy pain, abnormal vaginal discharge and heavy vaginal bleeding.