How Many C-Sections Can A Woman Have Safely?

Consult with your doctor about the safety of having repeated c-sections.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Annal Vaidya, MS Dr. Annal Vaidya Dr. Annal VaidyaMS MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Obstetrics & GynecologyExperience: 3 years
Written by , M.Tech (Biotechnology) Anshuman Mohapatra M.Tech (Biotechnology) Follow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Twitter Specialty: Pregnancy and HealthExperience: 6 years
Edited by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Fact-checked by , M.Pharm, PhD Dr. Joyani Das M.Pharm, PhD Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pharma, Health and WellnessExperience: 3.5 years
Last Updated on
✔ Research-backed

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.

Pregnant Woman Considering C-section

Image: iStock

“How many C-sections can you have?” is a common question many parents may have when the obstetrician suggests a C-section delivery, especially if they would like to have more children. However, it is difficult to say how many C-sections you can have since each woman’s risks and complications vary. In general, there is an increased risk of complications with subsequent C-sections (1).

Read through the post to learn about the safety, advantages, and side effects of repeat C-sections.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Some C-section incisions may impede future vaginal births and require a repeat C-section.
  • Having more than three C-sections poses a significant risk in subsequent births.
  • A repeat C-section may necessitate additional surgery time and a longer hospital stay.
  • If you had a C-section, wait for the incision to heal and take a long gap before planning your next pregnancy.

When Is A Repeat C-Section Advisable Over A Vaginal Delivery?

Placenta previa indicates the need for a C-section

Image: Shutterstock

Some of the indicators to go for a repeat cesarean section are (2):

  • Previous uterine rupture
  • Presence of classical cesarean scar
  • Placenta previa
  • Increased risk of uterine rupture
  • Any coexisting high risk condition in the pregnancy along with a previous cesarean section (eg: twins, pre-eclampsiai A severe pregnancy condition of high blood pressure and protein in the urine )
  • Having two prior C-sections

Some incisions from a C-section may limit future chances of vaginal births and indicate a repeat C-section. They are (3):

  • ‘J’ or Inverted ‘T’ shaped cesarean incisions
  • Low vertical cesarean incisions
  • High vertical cesarean incisions
protip_icon Point to consider
Another potential issue with C-sections is adhesion. Scar tissue that is not ordinarily linked joins tissues and organs to form adhesions (5).

How Safe Are Repeat C-Sections?

According to the expert advice, there is a high risk associated with more than three C-sections (1). The British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (BJOG) says five or more cesarean surgeries are associated with increased complications and longer surgery time (4). The study also finds that the associated risks of having three to four repeat C-sections are similar to five to nine repeat C-sections (4).

What Are The Side Effects Of Repeat C-Sections?

In addition to the complications associated with first time C-section, some additional effects of multiple C-sections are (5), (6):

  • Prolonged hospitalization time
  • Prolonged operation time
  • Frequent prenatal medical visits
  • Dense adhesions
  • Urinary bladder or intestinal injuries
  • Placenta previa (the placenta lies in the lower segment of the uterus)
  • Abnormal placental invasion (the placenta attaches abnormally to the myometrium in AccretaiA pregnancy condition in which the placenta is attached too deeply and firmly to the uterus , invades through the myometrium in IncretaiA pregnancy condition in which the placenta is attached too deeply to the uterine muscle but doesn't pass through the uterine wall or may perforate through the outermost uterine wall of serosa to invade the urinary bladder in PercretaiA pregnancy condition in which the placenta passes through the uterine wall and may impact the bladders or intestine )
  • Due to previous surgical scars, it might be challenging to perform a surgical incision
It may be difficult to perform an incision on previous C-section scars

Image: Shutterstock

  • Myometrial thinning

These factors might deter a considerable number of women from choosing a repeat C-section. Remarkably, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a gradual yearly decrease of approximately 0.2% in the rate of repeat cesarean deliveries from 2020 to 2021, with figures dropping from 86.2% to 85.9%.

protip_icon Point to consider
The risk factors for a repeat C-section include bleeding, thrombosisiFormation of one or more clots in the blood vessels in the body, generally in the leg , peripheral organ damage, and frequent blood transfusions.(5).

Are There Any Advantages Of Repeat C-Sections?

Benefits of a C-section

Image: Shutterstock

Some benefits of multiple C-sections include (7) (8):

  • Less anxiety since you are familiar with the procedure.
  • Better planning and scope of preparation to avoid a last-minute rush.
  • Lower risk of uterine rupture as compared to vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC).
  • No need to go through labor pain.
  • Lower risk of fetal morbidity and mortality

What Are The Factors To Consider For Subsequent Pregnancy After A C-Section?

Some concerns might run in your mind during pregnancy after a C-section. It is important to bring them to your doctor’s notice and get relief from your worries.

Some factors you should consider in consultation with your doctor before a second pregnancy are (9):

  • Wait for the scars to heal before attempting another pregnancy. It may take up to 18 to 24 months to heal the scars completely.
Wait for sufficient time for a C-section scar to heal.

Image: Shutterstock

  • Maternal age is an essential factor in determining a safe delivery of childbirth.With a higher age, the risks associated with birth also increase.
  • A longer gap can reduce the risk associated with placenta previa and placental abruptioniA sudden early separation of the placenta (the organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby) from the uterus .
  • A longer gap can help you achieve a VBAC deliveryiAlso called vaginal birth after cesarean, it refers to vaginal delivery after a previous cesarean delivery and avoid complications from multiple C-sections. VBAC may be an option after one or two C-sections, depending on your health and surgery history. Consult your doctor to assess its risks and benefits.

Theresa, a mom who had five C-sections, shares, “My first C-section was not scheduled but was the only option presented to me after many, many hours of useless labor due to a failed induction. My other four C-sections were elective and scheduled because I was told by my first doctor that I’d not likely be able to have a natural delivery for one reason or another.

“My sections have always gone smoothly. I’ve been totally awake, alert, and participatory. My babies have been healthy. Nursing has always gone well. And my recovery is awesome (i).”

According to the national vital statistics report of 2019, 13.8% of births were VBAC (10). VBAC can be practiced with one previous C-section. However, it is not recommended for everyone to have a VBAC. A committee of doctors will decide if you are fit enough to undertake a vaginal delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does C-section pooch go away?

A C-section scar may not go away completely but usually lightens over time. However, fat accumulated under the scar can be shed.

2. How do previous C-sections affect future births?

Previous C-sections may affect future delivery outcomes. In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, C-sections have been associated with future pregnancy complications and fertility issues (14).

3. What is more painful: C-section or natural birth?

Natural birth may be more painful than a C-section as the latter is performed after administering anesthesia. However, the recovery from C-section could cause more discomfort than a natural birth. Recovery times vary, with C-sections typically requiring longer hospital stays, more post-operative care, and a longer period to return to normal activities compared to vaginal births.

4. What should I discuss with my doctor about before planning a repeat C-section?

Discuss your medical history, any complications from previous surgeries, the risks of multiple C-sections, and your current health with your doctor. An informed decision is essential for the safety of both you and your baby.

It is common for couples planning to have more kids to be confused about the number of C-sections they can have. However, the condition for a repeat C-section depends on the safety and the condition of the mother and also the health of the baby. Possible complications associated with having multiple C-section deliveries include increased operating time, potential injuries to the bladder and intestines, and the thinning of the myometrium, among others. Therefore, have detailed conversations with your OB-GYN about the associated risks and complications of undergoing multiple C-sections to make an informed decision.

Infographic: Negative Effects Of Repeated Cesarean Deliveries

A doctor may recommend a cesarean delivery due to several causes, including high-risk pregnancy and preterm birth. However, if you plan to have three or more deliveries through cesarean section, it might result in some downside. The infographic below outlines various possible complications of repeated C-sections.

disadvantages of repeated c sections (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Do you want to know how many C- sections are safe for you and your baby? Watch this video where you get insights on the risk and benefits linked to C-sections

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. If practice makes perfect, I might be a C-section expert.
https://ordinarylovely.blogspot.com/2015/12/if-practice-makes-perfect-i-might-be-c.html

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. You Asked: How many C-sections can a woman have?
    https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/asked-many-c-sections-can-woman/
  2. Birth After Previous Caesarean Birth.
    https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/birth-after-previous-caesarean-birth-green-top-guideline-no-45/
  3. Multiple C-Sections.
    http://healthcare.utah.edu/womenshealth/pregnancy-birth/multiple-c-sections
  4. Higher order repeat caesarean sections: how safe are five or more?
    https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00244.x?sid=nlm%3Apubmed
  5. Is it safe to have multiple repeat cesarean sections? A high volume tertiary care center experience.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5673710/
  6. Repeat cesarean section in subsequent gestation of women from a birth cohort in Brazil.
    https://reproductive-health-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12978-017-0356-8
  7. Planning a repeat caesarean birth.
    https://www.nct.org.uk/labour-birth/different-types-birth/caesarean-birth/planning-repeat-caesarean-birth
  8. Weighing the Pros and Cons of Planned VBAC and Repeat Cesarean Section.
    https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/weighing-the-pros-and-cons-of-planned-vbac-and-repeat-cesarean-section
  9. Pregnancy and giving birth after a caesarean section.
    https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/after-caesarean-section
  10. Births: Final Data for 2019.
    https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr70/nvsr70-02-508.pdf#tab17
  11. Vaginal birth after two caesarean sections (VBAC-2)-a systematic review with meta-analysis of success rate and adverse outcomes of VBAC-2 versus VBAC-1 and repeat (third) caesarean sections.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19781046/
  12. Incomplete Cesarean Scar Rupture.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3719360/
  13. What About Uterine Scar Ruptures?
    https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/what-about-uterine-scar-ruptures
  14. Long-term risks and benefits associated with cesarean delivery for mother, baby, and subsequent pregnancies: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779640/

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

Dr. Annal Vaidya
Dr. Annal VaidyaMS
Dr. Annal Vaidya is a former assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the prestigious Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai. He has three years of experience and currently works as a consultant in various hospitals in the city.

Read full bio of Dr. Annal Vaidya
Anshuman Mohapatra
Anshuman MohapatraM.Tech (Biotechnology)
Anshuman Mohapatra is a biotechnology scientist with more than six years of research experience in analytical chemistry and biotechnology. He has submitted his PhD thesis at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) and served as a research fellow (JRF/SRF) during his PhD tenure.

Read full bio of Anshuman Mohapatra
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
Dr. Joyani Das
Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD
Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

Read full bio of Dr. Joyani Das
Latest Articles