4Th C-section? - Arlington Heights,IL

Updated on November 01, 2011
K.S. asks from Arlington Heights, IL
10 answers

I have 3 wonderful kids - all delivered via c-section. We are now considering having a fourth, but I know there could be complications with having a fourth c-section (placenta acreda). I am trying to figure out just how common that is, so has anyone had a fourth c-section? Any problems? Thanks!

Update - I should add that I have spoken with my doctor about it and he thinks I would be fine to have a fourth. He doesn't think it is very common, but the thing I struggle with is that if it did happen, it sounds like a huge ordeal and that scares me. So he said he hasn't seen placenta acreda in years, but I wanted to get a broader sense of how common it is (outside of his small practice). Thanks!

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C.D.

answers from Chicago on

I've only had 2, but my doctor said without my yet asking that I heal well, so sees no reason why I couldn't have several more. If the doctor has no worries, I'd be comfortable with it for what it's worth.

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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

I had 4 C-Sections and they gave me the scary story about Placenta acreda. Not even an issue. I had no complications at all. I developed a hernia on my 3rd C-Section incision that had a repair patch. They thought that would be an issue with my 4th but it moved out of the way and wasn't an issue at all. I'm as good as new. Good luck to you!!

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A.K.

answers from Phoenix on

I've had 3 & it has been suggested , that I not have a fourth. Even though I was told that I probably wouldn't be able to get pregnant , due to scar tissue . I would think that if your doc didn't warn of any complications, should you become pregnant, then you should be fine but make sure to speak w/ doc about your concerns.

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N.P.

answers from Chicago on

my sister had 4 with no issues

C.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I've had 3 c-sections also. I asked my OB about having a 4th and he told me it was OK, but my risk for having a uterine rupture was higher. I would love to have a 4th baby but it scares me too. Good Luck!

V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

My SIL had 4. I am not privy to each and every detail of her pregnancies, but to my knowledge she did not have any complications resulting from the C-sections. If something had gone wrong, I'm sure I would know though. She was never on bed rest or anything with any of the babies, either. Her last one she was past 40, also. If that makes any difference.

Your doctor can give you better information, though. Because he/she will know the particulars of YOUR previous C-sections, and what, if any, complications you are likely to deal with.

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J.C.

answers from Chicago on

1. How good of shape are you in.
2. How quickly do you recover.
3. Does your husband what a 4th.
4. Can you afford another child - time and money.
5. How do the other children feel about another sibling?
6. Is it to beat the timer?
7. Women today usually don't go to four children today. Hince the Dr.
won't see as many placenta acreda.
8. After you answer the questions above and still want another one then
GO FOR IT.

Take care
J.

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

My mom had all four of us via c-sections, and that was over 30 years ago. She was completely fine. If your doctor thinks you'll be okay, go for it. I would trust my doctor more than people on a website I didn't know. :)

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C.W.

answers from Santa Barbara on

My sister in law had four c-sections, all 25 months apart and did very well. She is an ER Physician, had the youngest at 42 years or age and was out with that darn baby jogger between 2-3 weeks post partum. She's a crazy athlete though.

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T.G.

answers from Rockford on

I have had 4. Our plans are to be done at 4 but I asked at the hospital after my 4th how many c-sections were safe and was told that so long as my dr hadn't told me it was not advisable, there was no special number. At my 6 week follow up we were talking about birth control and my dr was joking with me about having enough time for another so I don't think she was too concerned. I recently switched drs and my new OBGyn suggested we do something more permanent for birth control because he was concerned about placenta accreta. He said the risk goes way up after the third. But he has never done any of my deliveries. I have done a bit of research on it out of curiosity should we ever change our mind. Yes there is an increased risk with prior c-sections but what exactly that risk is seems to really vary from dr to dr. I read some that said the chances were near 100% with 4 previous and others the percentage very minimal. If you want another it is definitely worth seeking out some medical journals with articles on the subject.

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