How many deliveries by cesarean section can a woman have?

It is a question that many women who have already gone through a casarean are asked: how many cesareans can a woman have? Actually, there is no single answer porque, because both vaginal births and those performed through caesarean section have advantages and disadvantages and if you have already ex

It is a question that many women who have already gone through a casarean are asked: how many cesareans can a woman have?Actually, there is no single answer porque, because both vaginal births and those performed through caesarean section have advantages and disadvantages and if you have already experienced one or more caesarean sections, it can be a complex decision to decide, together with your gynecologist, how your next child will be born.Factors to consider before practicing a new cesarean section

Here are some factors that should be taken into account:

1. Time:

How long has it been since the previous pregnancy? Not only is the pregnancy number you have experienced important, so is the time elapsed since the last one. In any case, it is recommended that it be less than six months .2. Previous complications:If the previous caesarean sections have been problematic, it is necessary to be very cautious in the following ones.

3. Number: How many caesarean sections have been performed before? There is no study that defines an exact number, but many professionals agree

that three caesarean sections in total could be an adequate number aunque, although many women experience difficulties in the second and others can receive four without any problem. 4. The risks of performing a cesarean are increased after each new intervention: it depends on each woman, her medical history and how previous interventions have gone.Risks for women undergoing several caesarean sections

Women who have received more caesarean sections, are exposed to a greater risk of: -

Uterine rupture

secondary to rupture amniotic bag. This is the most serious consequence because the scars of the different caesarean sections gradually weaken the outer area of ​​the uterus, increasing the possibility of rupture. The breakage of a scar is a serious complication during childbirth and can have consequences for the baby but especially for the mother.

- Adhesions. Adhe Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that develop after each cesarean section. As the tissue heals there may be contact with other organs located around the uterus

, the intestine, omentum or bladder. With each cesarean, a scar is made that has two effects: on the one hand it weakens the wall of the uterus and on the other hand the possibility of adhesions developing, this leads to an increased risk that the cicatricial area of ​​cesarean sections may break. Vaginal delivery after a cesarean delivery Some people believe that after a cesarean section it is not possible to give birth again through a vaginal birth, this thought is wrong. Yes it is possiblebecause there is no generic factor that, in principle, prevents it.

Caesarean section is a safe intervention

that is carried out frequently in all obstetrics clinics (in Spain, 25% of babies are born through this means), it is not a risk intervention provided that they are taken into account certain considerations. In short, to know if it is feasible or even advisable to perform a new cesarean, we recommend you consult with your gynecologist

, after studying your case, you can tell if there are factors that recommend prudence when making new interventions or if these can be done normally. In fact, if after a caesarean section your gynecologist considers that it is not advisable to perform others, it is very likely that you will be notified so that you have it in mind when planning new pregnancies.

Dr. José Manuel Pintado Medical Director and Head of the Reproduction Unit of the Pintado Medical Center