What are the risk of having 3 c-sections back to back?
The major risks of c-sections include hemorrhage (requiring blood transfusions), infection, and damage to intra abdominal organs such as the bowel, bladder, blood vessels, and ureters. Wound healing problems can occur afterwards. Rarely there are life-threatening complications such as anesthesia complications, blood clots, pulmonary embolus, or even death. As for the baby, the major risk is prematurity. If the c-section is scheduled (without labor), the date should be chosen conservatively, so as to be sure the little one’s lungs are ready. Most doctors do not schedule c-sections before 39+ weeks just to be sure. As far as multiple c-sections, the party line is to recommend no more than three, because of concern about the integrity and strength of the uterine scar. The concern is that multiple surgeries could weaken the wall of the uterus and lead to a higher chance of uterine rupture. But, I’m not sure that there’s good research to back up this recommendation, and many women choose to
