Pregnancy after C-section: How long to wait?

1. Pregnancy after C-section : How long to wait? Many parents want to have more than one child and will try to get preg- nant again as soon as possible. However, in case of a Caesarean section, you might have to wait longer than normal before you plan your next child. Usually, doctors advise enough gap between two deliveries, espe- cially if you have had a C-section. Here is all you need to know about trying again after a C-section delivery. Gap after a C-section Doctors recommend waiting at least six months after C-section before trying again. A World Health Organization report recommends that the mother should ideally have a gap of 24 months to reduce the risk of ad- verse maternal, perinatal and infant outcomes. This gives enough time for the C-section wounds to heal.

2. How can a gap help after C-section? If you’ve had a C-section, your body takes more time to heal from it as a compared to a vaginal birth. Here is why you need a gap after the sur- gery: 1. Caesarean section is a major abdominal surgery and recovery time varies from one woman to another. The more time you give for recov- ery, the fewer complications are you likely to face during your next de- livery. 2. If you have had complications in your previous pregnancies, it would be better to wait before planning the next baby. 3.Your body loses a lot of nutrients while delivering through a C-section and it needs enough time to replenish them. 4. It can get difficult for you to take good care of yourself while also nur- turing your infant.You will also be more prone to certain health risks if you get pregnant immediately after a C-section. Risks associated with giving birth soon after C-section Getting pregnant soon after a C-section can increase your risk for the following:

3. 1.Placenta Previa: In this condition, the placenta attaches itself to the lower uterine wall that covers the cervix completely or partially. It is as- sociated with vaginal bleeding during or after delivery. Having a C-sec- tion previously can result in placenta previa in the subsequent pregnan- cy. 2.Placental abruption: Placental abruption is associated with a low lying placenta or a complete detachment of the placenta from the womb, which can be a serious complication. 3.Increased risk of uterine rupture: Vaginal birth after C-section can lead to uterine rupture, especially if the gap between two pregnancies is very less. Uterine rupture refers to the tearing of your previous C-sec- tion scar. Women who are overweight and have had a C-section previ- ously are at an increased risk of uterine rupture. 4.Premature birth: A gap of less than six months can lead to premature birth. In such case, the deliveries usually occur before 36-37 weeks. 5.Low birth weight: Women who become pregnant too soon after a C-section can deliver babies with low birth weight, i.e., under 2.5 kg. You might want to get pregnant soon after your C-section. However, you should keep all these risks in mind before you try to conceive. Meet our experts at KIMS Cuddles to understand more about when to con- ceive after C-section. *Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice