How Long Should I Wait To Get Pregnant After a C-Section?

If you give birth via cesarean section (aka C-section), you may find yourself with questions about future pregnancies and deliveries. And you wouldn't be alone: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 32% of all births in the US are completed by C-section.

While having a C-section increases a person's risk of certain complications and the chances of having another cesarean delivery with future pregnancies, every pregnancy and birth is different. Ahead, learn more about pregnancy after C-section, including how long experts say you should wait to get pregnant, the risks to keep in mind, and what to discuss with a health care provider.

When Can I Get Pregnant Again After a C-Section?

Many doctors advise people to wait 18 to 24 months after giving birth before trying to conceive again, and this is especially true if you delivered by C-section. This time-out gives your body a chance to heal and recover from surgery.

"In considering when it is safe to conceive again, we look at the interpregnancy interval (IPI)," says Pamela Promecene, MD, professor and obstetrician with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth/UT Physicians in Houston. "The IPI is the time from birth to the beginning of the following pregnancy. There is evidence to suggest that a short IPI, less than 18 months, has a higher risk of pregnancy complications in subsequent pregnancies."

That said, some people can and do conceive sooner. If you are hoping to expand your family and have recently had a C-section, you should consult with an OB-GYN or health care provider for further guidance.

What Are the Risks of Getting Pregnant After a C-Section?

Research shows that getting pregnant less than six months after a C-section can put you at risk for certain complications, such as:

• Uterine rupture: The risk of a ruptured uterus or exacerbation of your surgical scars decreases the longer you wait to conceive after a C-section.
• Placenta accreta: There is a risk that the placenta may embed into the uterine lining or an existing C-section scar.
• Pre-term birth: Chances of premature delivery or low birth weight may increase in pregnancies after a prior C-section.

The risks associated with pregnancy after C-section also extend to labor and delivery. If you'd like to try for a vaginal birth after a C-section (also known as a VBAC), you have even more reason to consider holding off on getting pregnant. Studies have found that the rate of uterine rupture is higher during VBACs when it's been less than 18 months between deliveries. Electing to have a repeat C-section is an option that may carry lower risk.

Will a C-Section Affect My Fertility?

More research is needed on whether or not having a C-section affects the chances of conceiving again. Some studies show that a cesarean delivery has no effect on fertility, while others indicate that uterine scarring may impact certain people's ability to get pregnant again.

If there is a link between C-sections and infertility, it may be related to the underlying reasons that led to a C-section to begin with rather than the procedure itself. In most cases, having a previous C-section will not impact future fertility.

What Should I Ask My Health Care Provider About Pregnancy After C-Section?

If you've had a C-section, and you're hoping to expand your family now or in the future, here are some questions to ask your health care provider:

• How long should I wait before trying to conceive?
• Is VBAC a possibility for me or do you recommend a scheduled C-section? Why?
• Do you recommend any additional screenings or ultrasounds for my next pregnancy?

It's important to discuss all of your options for a pregnancy after C-section and the risks accompanying them. Every prenatal health care provider is different, and every person and pregnancy is different. A health care provider who is familiar with your health history can provide the most accurate information based on your age, health, and other risk factors.