C-sections and scarring As with any surgery that involves an incision, it is normal for scar tissue to develop after a Caesarean section. However, sometimes this scarring can cause severe inflammation or obstructions that will make future pregnancies difficult.
The reason for the lower likelihood of pregnancy after a C-section is not known, but the lead author, Kristen H. Kjerulff, a professor of public health at Pennsylvania State University, said that scarring of the inside of the uterus during the procedure and ensuing low-grade infection may be factors.
If you've had one C-section, a trial of labour is usually safe. The more C-sections you've had, the higher your risk (although it's still low) of the scar from your previous C-section tearing open during labour (uterine rupture) and problems with the placenta that may cause trouble during delivery.
An isthmocele (cesarean scar defect) is a pouch, or niche, that forms on the wall of your uterus. It develops if the incision from a past c-section doesn't heal completely. Isthmocele can cause infertility or problems with future pregnancies.
Summary answer: The presence of a CS scar affects the site of implantation, and the distance between implantation site and the scar is related to the risk of spontaneous abortion.
Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall during pregnancy. Scarring in the uterus from a prior C-section or other uterine surgery may play a role in developing this condition.
It's possible for your scar to gape slightly as your pregnancy progresses (scar dehiscence) . Although this may sound worrying, it isn't a sign that you have a uterine rupture. As long as the edges of the scar stay healed and intact, it won't cause pain or bleeding or endanger you or your baby .
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).
Women who have c-sections are 14% more likely to have a stillbirth in future than those giving birth naturally, say researchers. And c-sections raised the chance of an ectopic pregnancy by 9%, according to a study of more than 800,000 Danish first-time mothers.
Types of C-section incisions
During a C-section, your doctor makes two incisions. The first is through the skin of your lower abdomen, about an inch or two above your pubic hair line. The second is into the uterus, in order to reach in and deliver your baby.
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. It's particularly important to make sure your scar has completely healed if you want to try for a vaginal birth next time.
'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.
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.
Most women who have had a caesarean section can safely have a vaginal delivery for their next baby, known as vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). But you may need some extra monitoring during labour just to make sure everything is progressing well.
Answering the question of whether the second cesarean section is more painful, the answer is: Usually no more pain depending on the condition of the old incision with little or no adhesion, and the surgical technique, and pain relief of the doctors.
If the scar opens completely (scar rupture) this may have serious consequences for you and your baby. This only occurs in two to eight women in 1000 (about 0.5%). Being induced increases the chance of this happening (8-24 women in 1000 depending on the method used).
Therefore, when the placenta is incised, there is an increased risk of not only maternal blood loss but also of neonatal blood loss. Hence, various diagnostic methods and surgical techniques have been used to avoid placental incision for placenta previa pregnancy.
Once the gestational mass is surgically excised, it has been noted that hCG returns to normal much more quickly within one to two weeks. Dehiscence and repeat scar pregnancy have been reported following successful medical treatment with local MTX injections.
Placenta Accreta takes place when the placenta has become deeply embedded in the womb, possibly due to a previous cesarean section scar. A Trapped Placenta results when the placenta detaches from the uterus but is not delivered. Instead, it becomes trapped behind a closed cervix or a cervix that has partially closed.
Ultrasound studies of the uterus can demonstrate the intact CS scar, which appears as an echogenic line through the lower anterior myometrium (Figs.
What Are the Risks of Getting Pregnant After a C-Section? Research shows that getting pregnant less than six months after a C-section can increase your risk of complications, such as ruptured uterus or a low birth weight baby.