How many cesarean can i have

I had a C-section with my first child. Now that I'm pregnant with my second, I'd really like to try to have a vaginal delivery. But is that safe — for me and my baby? Many women who have had a cesarean section or C-section with their first pregnancy are interested in a vaginal delivery for their second or later births. For years, women who'd had a C-section were encouraged to skip vaginal deliveries altogether and schedule C-sections for all future births.

How many C-sections can women safely have? Show references Berghella V. Repeat cesarean delivery. Accessed Feb. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.

Legal Conditions and Terms Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Advertising Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Advertising and sponsorship policy Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. The longer you have to recover and heal, the lower your risk of complications. That said, if you do get pregnant before the recommended timeline, you can still have a healthy pregnancy.

Be sure to talk to your doctor early and often about proper prenatal care. Depending on your medical history, your doctor should support your decision to either schedule another C-section or attempt a vaginal birth after cesarean VBAC.

At the University of Utah, our doctors commit to providing the safest care possible while maximizing your birth experience. Potential benefits include shorter recovery time and lower risk of surgical complications. For example, the more C-sections you have, the more likely you are to have a uterine rupture.

If you choose VBAC, we will closely watch you during labor. If you or your baby shows signs of distress, you'll have an emergency cesarean section. Both vaginal and cesarean deliveries have risks and benefits. Deciding how you will deliver your next baby after a previous C-section can be a complex decision. Talk to your health care provider. He or she can help you weigh the risks of a repeat C-section against your desire for future pregnancies.

These include circumstances if you:. Planning a C-section can also be a welcome change from your first C-section when you were likely tired, scared, and in pain.