Pregnant with Concerns

Updated on May 12, 2011
H.H. asks from Wilkes Barre, PA
18 answers

We just found out last week that I am pregnant with our third child. While we're both excited, we were a little shocked because my ob/gyn had told me about a year or two ago that I would probably never be able to conceive again, due to the amount of scar tissue I have from my two c sections. That is where my concern comes in.. An older woman friend I work with, and who used to be a nurse, told me that I may have complications with the placenta that may cause internal bleeding and result in a miscarriage or even the death of both the baby and myself. She also said I may miscarry because the baby may not have implanted well due to the scar tissue. I have an appointment but it isn't until June 14th. I'm really worried and I've been overly cautious. We have a three year old, four in July, and a four year old, five in August, who like to play rough and I feel guilty distancing myself from them when they play that way. I've been having cramping but nothing severe. Does anyone know if there is any truth to what I've been told or if I have any reason to worry? I'm really trying to stay stress free because I know it isn't good for the baby but my nerves are starting to get the best of me.

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Featured Answers

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Rose Kennedy had something like 9 C sections and that was back in the day.
Have an early examination to keep from worrying, but I think you and the baby will be fine.
Try not to listen to people who spout doom and gloom.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Okay, I have had 2 c-sections with both my kids.

You must NOT listen to this Former Nurse co-worker... BECAUSE she does not know, your health history. NOR is she your OB/GYN.
For her to tell you all of these things, is really... wrong.
It is not her place.

Do not listen to her.
If she were right, then ALL women who have had c-sections, would be miscarrying. And that simply is not the case.

Also... she is NOT an Ultrasound machine, and she cannot look in your body nor your organs, and tell you about your scarring. Only your Doctor can.
It can be, internal scarring, or external scarring on top OF, the organ. Not in it.

Again, if she were right, then ALL WOMEN who have had c-sections, would be miscarrying. And they are not.

Now, do not listen to people, who do not wish you well.
This woman, was really mean, in telling you these things.
IMO.

The only person who you should be listening to, is your OB/GYN.

5 moms found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Erie on

My third baby is now 11 months old - but the Doctors told me to end the pregnancy at 6 weeks. I had my boys via c-section and when I got pregnant with my little girl the placenta attached to the c-section scar. An accreta developed (the placenta grew into the lining of my uterus) and I had placenta previa. They told me I could just be walking around and hemmorage and bleed to death. All of the risks were to me though and not her. And it was all "could happens". "What if's" My husband and I have a strong faith and we gave it to God and told the Dr to do what they needed to do to take care of me. We knew everything would be fine. It was a little stressful and I did end up in the hospital for almost 6 weeks because of a small bleed but it all turned out great. She was born 1 month early at 6lb 8oz. We were only in the hospital 3 days after she was born.
The main idea here: until you know anything for sure, keep an open mind and just trust your instincts.
God Bless!

4 moms found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Hartford on

I think your work friend is fear mongering and crossed a line with you. Unless she's your caregiver and knows your medical history personally and extensively, then she had no business giving you her medical opinion. Period. I believe that what she did/said to you was unethical and frankly she wasn't behaving like much of a "friend."

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M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

First, congrats on your pregnancy. Second---- Don't listen to a minute of your co-worker's nonsense! You are an individual and everyone is different. Until your doctor tells you that you specifically have to worry about something, don't worry! Its not good for the baby and its not good for you. Enjoy every minute of this pregnancy and when the day comes when you can go see your ob on the 14th of June, then you can ask all your questions and lay all the concerns on the table. I hope that you are able to relax and enjoy the new life within you....everything will be ok.

M

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

Because your ob/gyn told you that you would probably never be able to conceive I'd call his office and ask about your concerns. If they were unaware of your history when they made the appointment it's possible that yours would be considered a high risk pregnancy; in which case they would see you sooner.

The reasons for not being able to conceive may not have an affect on successfully carrying a pregnancy. Or they may. You need to ask your doctor. Do not let this woman scare you.

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P.G.

answers from Des Moines on

See if you can get an earlier appointment, get on a cancellation list as a stand by, just for your nerves!
This older woman is not a "friend". A friend would not scare you with such old wives tales. I know a lot of friends and relatives who have had successful third children, all by c-sections.
Is there more risk? Maybe yes, but with proper medical care there is no reason to not expect a healthy baby at the end of a normal pregnancy.
You should be rejoicing at this blessed event not letting some pessimist scare you. I'm guessing she is no longer a nurse because it wasn't her best work. Her bedside manner sucks.

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A.K.

answers from Phoenix on

Like u, after 2 sections, I had a 3rd by section also. After that surgery, my doc had said he was amazed I was able to conceive ( we tried 1 cycle & pregnant) & carried pregnancy to term. My doc said that it just shows you that you can never fully predict an outcome. All he can do is give his advise , that is then used to weigh our options & help manage our care. That came up when we were casually discussing risk of a future pregnancy. Let me add, I had an extremely non- eventful & active pregnancy. I lifted & was more active than I would have been , knowing my risk. I also, had a good sized baby , that increased my risk of rupture. You are lucky, you have the power to weigh your options & act accordingly. Don't stress though b/c of what some unthoghtfull woman said. Call your doc , tell them your concerns & ask to be seen early / atleast talk to your doc . This way you will know if he would like to manage your care differently. I had a healthy baby & outcome , & I'm sure you will , also.

1 mom found this helpful

A.F.

answers from Chicago on

You CAN have a problem if your placenta attaches at an area near the scars....BUT I would not worry yourself about that now. They will not be able to tell that until a later ultrasound. Early ultrasounds are good for dating, but the placenta is not fully formed and fully functioning until like 8-12 weeks or something....before that the yolk sac nourishes the little embryo. I had 1 c-section after a normal vaginal delivery -- my placenta attached far away from the scar. However, my sister in law knows someone who has successfully carried SEVEN pregnancies and had all of the children via c-section! So, I would not worry about your two :) If her placentas ended up implanting fine, you have a MUCH better chance than her! Best wishes and congrats!

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M..

answers from Ocala on

Don't listen to anyone!
Your baby is in the Lords hands.

Trust in the Lord that he gave you this wonderful gift from heaven and that everything will go in his way for good for you and your family.

I hope it is a girl. Everything PINK is just so sweet. = )

1 mom found this helpful

J.U.

answers from Washington DC on

I agree with the last poster. She is NO friend. I can't stand when someone has worked in a certain field and think they know everything there is to know. Please, unless your doc tells you something along those lines don't even research it, your going to make yourself sick and could possibly cause a loss by stress. Everyone is different, what has happened to one isn't the same for another. What type of nurse was she? Did she work in a hospital? How long ago was she a nurse? Times have changed, technology has changed. Most likely if she worked in a hospital then she saw mostly bad situations. Can anyone promise it will not happen no, but you need to stop stressing over what "could" happen. Don't cause yourself more stress then necessary. Take a little bit of time to yourself read a good book for a bit to get your mind off of things or take a nice scenic walk. I would also see if you could get on a cancelation list or leave a message for your doc to call and discuss your concerns and see how they react. Good luck! Congrats :) PS. I have a few friends that have had 2-3 c-sections and no issues at all. (((Hugs)))

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D.K.

answers from Sioux City on

I am not sure what led your doctor to believe you had to much scar tissue. I have had four C-sections and several other surgeries. Take good care of yourself and I will pray all goes well. Congratulations.

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D.S.

answers from Allentown on

Hi, H.:

Have you heard of "old wives tales"?
Well, count that as one.

I would suggest that you get some scar massage oil and
massage the scar every night when you go to bed.

Massage the scar tissue from beginning to end.
Press on the scar a finger tip at a time along the scar.
Is there any local pain and/or does it radiate anywhere.

If no to both, then there is no entrapment of a nerve ending.
If there is pain, local or radiating, a nerve ending is trapped.
It can be released by the massaging action of your fingers in time.

Don't worry, you will do fine. As far as the Doc is concerned,
he is not God. We are constantly reminded that there is a power greater
than ourselves.

Good luck.
D.

1 mom found this helpful
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N.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

Talk to a doctor....several if you have to, but make sure they're doctors. While well-meaning, this woman may have no idea what she's talking about. Even doctors will have differing opinions I'm sure, but at least they have the technology to monitor your situation and give you an informed opinion.

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J.L.

answers from Chicago on

While possible I am sure rare...Hogwash!! I had three C-sections. got pregnant the third time quickly. Had a normal pregnancy and no complications. Son was born healthy and I recovered very quickly from the C-section. Take care of yourself and get routine exams as part of your prenatal routine. Congrats. I love having three!

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A.P.

answers from Allentown on

Considering the fact that the National Institute of Health (NIH) concluded that a mom can VERY safely VBAC after 2 c/sections, the chances of your scar tissue being *that* bad after only 2 sections is slim.

Yes. There is a risk. Yes, there is a chance. But the odds are considerably in your favor.

I would suggest drinking some Red Raspberry Leaf Tea & Pregnancy Tea to support uterine health & take a good whole-food (not synthetic!) prenatal vitamin. Drink plenty of water, eat lots of good food & tons of protein & everything will probably be just fine.

There's a couple of EXCELLENT local resources that I really encourage you to check out:
ICAN of Lehigh Valley & EMPOWERED Birth
www.ican.com www.EmpoweredBirthPA.org

Congratulations, mama!

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J.J.

answers from Allentown on

Hmm, I m not sure about the not being able to conceive part. I had two c-sections and was never told that, despite that I had complications and had to have my incision reopened due to infection, packed for months and tons of scarring. I was also never warned about any significant dangers, just that it wouldn't be good if the baby implanted in the scar tissue. So, I would ignore what you heard and talk to a doctor about it. Sometimes people even in the medical field hear things and believe things that are inaccurate. Wait to speak to your Dr and if you are really worried, give the Ob office a call and talk to the nurse in the office, they can address your concerns with a doctor and get back to you.

P.M.

answers from Tampa on

Yes - prior cesareans increase the chances of the placenta not having enough tissue to grasp and burrow into - which means it goes THRU the uterus and attaches to another organ. That is deadly.

Ceseareans cause life long issues, nerve death, and other complications. VBACs are preferred to another 'routine' cesarean, and avoiding the first one is even more important.

My 1st was by cesarean... one that was caused to the normal practices of OBs and hospital policies. As a Nurse, I went back to read my chart and found out so much about the hospital I gave birth at. I went back as a Nurse for clinicals there too... I cannot believe hospitals can stay in business for normal and low risk births with all the horrible things and procedures they coerce women into getting - which are not only unnececssary and go against nature's design for women giving birth - but also lack evidence based results and are known to be deadly to Mother and Baby.

I guess that is why America is the only developed nation with such an extremely high cesarean rate, pre-term labor rate and maternal and fetal mortality rate.

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