I'm worried about a 4th c-section

[kennedydp5]

I am a SAHM of a 4 year old, a 2 year old, and a 6 month old (all c-sections).  I am 3 days late for my period and took 2 home pregnancy tests that both said positive.  Of course me and my husband would completely love another child, but i'm worried about the health risks involved with a 4th c-section and so close to the last one.  plus my 6 month had surgery a month and a half ago and i'm worried about what happened with her happening again.  can someone give any advice to maybe calm me down?!?!

[ImmortalOne]

Have you talked to your doctor yet?  Is there possibility of a vaginal delivery?  What kind of c-section incisions where done previously?  How good of health are you in?  

[kennedydp5]

thank you for commenting!!!  i have not talked to a doctor yet.  i just took the tests today.  when i go to his office he's going to freak out (i was just there 6 months ago!  and he delivered my other 3 too).  i don't believe a vaginal delivery is an option (a lot of practices and insurance companies won't allow it after this many c sections).  i have a transverse scar (horizontal).  each time the previous scar has been cut out and then sewn back together (a mini tummy tuck!)  so that worries me too b/c i feel the same place being cut into so many times could make it weak and the risks be higher of a uterine tear.  i'm in good health (as far as i know), but i do have hypothyroidism.  i don't have complicated pregnancies... its going under the knife a 4th time that scares me so much.  i have 3 beautiful daughters and a husband that i need to take care of!  

[SeeingSpots]

I can't personally answer your question about the c-section, as I've only delivered vaginally, but I can tell you that my neighbor has already had 3 c-sections (2 transverse, 1 vertical) and she's now pregnant with her 18th child (yes, eighteen!!  the previous 14 were vaginal).  Her dr's were more concerned about her having a 4th c-section only because she's now got a + shaped area from the pervious incisions, and it's a lot weaker than if all were made in the same direction.  Yes, there is an increased risk with the more c-sections you have, but there is no "magic number" of how many you can/can't have. I think the main thing they told my neighbor was that they'd have to induce a little earlier than normal, just to be sure she didn't go in to natural labor (contractions/pressure), before they could schedule another c-section. Here's a good site:
http://blogs.webmd.com/healthy-pregnancy/2005/12/repeat-c-sectionor-not.html

Also, I know some doctors say there's an increased risk for miscarriage if you get pregnant again so soon after a previous pregnancy, especially if you never got your period back.  But, I'm living proof that it is possible, and that the baby can be perfectly healthy!  I never got my period back after my son's birth, and got pregnant again when he was only 6mo. old... I'm now almost 5mo. along with our 2nd son!  It'll be a challenge having two boys running around the house so close in age, but I bet they'll be the best of friends.

Good luck and congratulations!  Try not to worry so much, and if your doctor isn't supportive (and freaks out like you said), I'd find a different ObGyn.  There are plenty out there that will see the positive and be able to treat/support you as needed.  Children are a precious gift!   Who knows, maybe this one is a darling little boy to round off your family!

[ImmortalOne]

I knew a woman once who had kids less than a year apart (she got pregnant 4 weeks post partum lo), so the risk rumor probably isn't true.

[kennedydp5]

thanks guys!  i didn't think they did vertical insicisions for c sections anymore.  i have already got my period back after birth but only for one month i think (my memory is shot!).  don't worry my OB won't really freak out on me, i was just being sarcastic!  he really is a wonderful person and will take good care of me!  he saw our youngest being prepared to be taken to the NICU from our hospital and almost started crying!

[40smama]

I've had 4 c-sections and there was no problem so good luck to you!

[have 2 kids]

My sil has had 4 c-sections.  However her's were many years apart.  I do think there is an increased risk of rupture due to the pregnancies being less than 1 year apart but your Dr will go over all that with you and watch you carefully.  You're already pregnant so try not to worry and do what your Dr says.

[Crritter]

My sis has had 3 c-sections, but her first 2 were really close as well, her son was almost 7 months when she got pregnant again.  Her Dr. recommended c-section since it was so close, he was more concerned about the scar opening.  She did well, and I'm sure you will too!  Congrats!

[kennedydp5]

thank you for the encouraging words.  i was freaking out last night and had to call my husband and tell him b/c he is out of town for work this week.  but now that i have slept (some) i am knida excited!  not exctly sure how our families will react... but again who cares, right?  i really, really want a boy.  but of course if we have another girl i think that would be awesome too.  we just want healthy babies, the sex doesn't matter.  

[Crritter]

Do you have all girls?  Just wondering since I have 2 boys.  I am pretty sure that when I do have another one it will be a boy.  I just have a feeling that I will have all boys.  I'm the same way though, I just really wanted healthy babies no matter what.  When I was pregnant this older lady asked me if I knew what I was having.  When I told her another boy she laughed at me and told me to pick a number and stop having babies when I got to that point.  She said she had boys and kept trying one last time for a girl- she had 7 boys!!!  Crazy how it works when you have a 50/50 chance.  Good luck and enjoy- who cares what the family says, when baby gets here they will be knocking each other over just to hold the little bundle.

[wannabenana]

I know a family that was having one girl after another and kept trying for a boy, finally after 7 girls, they got their first boy, followed by 2 more boys! That's crazy!!!

[Crritter]

Yikes!  I have set the # at 3 (unless we get twins, which I doubt).  Anyway, if I only have boys, that's okay, they are so sweet and so fun.  Mine are both up now, one's "talking" to the dog, not sure what's he's saying, but he's got a serious look on his face and he has his eyebrows raised.  So cute!

[kennedydp5]

yep, we have 3 girls.  and we LOVE having all girls.  my husband plays year round flag football and and we take them to the games but i would love for him to have a little boy to play sports with.  but i can totally see us having another girl!!!!!

[kennedydp5]

well, i do know that this will be our last...  i will be getting my tubes tied while still in the operating room.  i love my children, but i think 4 will quite enough to keep us busy for a long time and then we can wait for our grandchildren!!!

[kris123]

I have two C-Section and have had no problems.  Now I have two scars on is up and down and the other is across. it look like i have a T on my belly.  I think you will be fine