Pregnant at 42

I am 42, pregnant for the 5th time.  All my children were born c sections this baby  will be c section 5.  My last C section was in 2001.  I am 13 weeks and 2 days.  This baby is very much wanted and I was wondering what are the risks of another c section at my age?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Congratulations!
C-sections at 42 are really no more risky than at 32.  The concern is that you have had 4 prior surgeries.  If you were my patient, I would be concerned about where the placenta has implanted.  With a history of several c-sections, your risk of placenta previa is markedly increased.  ( Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers the opening of the uterus or the cervix)

My other concern would be how thin the uterine wall is in the area of the c section scar.

Depending upon these findings, you may be at quite high risk for a hysterectomy and blood transfusions at the time of delivery.

I once had a patient who had had 8 prior c-sections, and naturally we were all very concerned, and prepared for the worst--her surgery was entirely uneventful and uncomplicated and mother and baby did great.  I hope you do too!

Good luck!
Dr B