How long should you wait to get pregnant after a C-section?
Getting pregnant after having a C-section can be a complicated decision. Knowing when you can start trying, making a VBAC birth plan, and even knowing if you are a good candidate for VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) can be overwhelming.
It is understandable to be filled with questions and uncertainty, especially if you want your children to be close in age.
So, what is the need-to-know about getting pregnant after having a Cesarean section? Let’s dig in. We will go over all the essentials like pregnancy intervals, how to prepare for your pregnancy, the risks of getting pregnant “too soon,” and how to increase your chances of having a VBAC.
When you should get pregnant after a C-section
Most medical experts recommend waiting anywhere from 6-15 months after having a C-section before getting pregnant again (or 15-24 months between births) to reduce the risk of complications like uterine rupture.
There are four published studies that go over these risks, each showing different interval recommendations. Here’s what the research tells us:
- A retrospective study of 1,768 people planning for VBAC by Bujold (2010) shows that the rate of rupture to be 1.3 percent with birth intervals of 24+ months, 1.9% with inter-birth intervals of 18-23 months, and 4.8% with intervals of less than 18 months.
- A retrospective study by Stamilio et al. (2007) only saw an increased risk of rupture of 2.66% with less than 6 months between pregnancies (15 months inter-birth interval).
- Another retrospective study by Shipp et al. (2001) found an increased risk of rupture with less than 18 months between births (9 months between pregnancies.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, research generally suggests waiting between 18 and 24 months.
These studies suggest that longer intervals between pregnancies MAY decrease the risk for uterine rupture. However, the optimal spacing is yet to be determined as results are conflicting and the sample size in the studies is not big enough to be conclusive.
Ultimately, the timeline that is right for you should be based on your unique circumstances and it is best to discuss it with your provider.
Planning a pregnancy after C-section
There are specific factors to consider when trying to decide when it is best to get pregnant after Cesarean. Some things to think about are:
- Your overall health: Being in your best physical health will not only increase your chances of a vaginal birth but, your chances of having a healthy pregnancy. Mental health is also important, with issues like mood disorders or PTSD after birth trauma affecting whether you’re in a good place to conceive another child.
- Your age: If you are over the age of 35, you might want to consider getting pregnant sooner, due to potential risks associated with later in life pregnancies.
- Fertility: How easy is it for you to conceive? Those with a harder time conceiving might want to start trying sooner than those who don’t.
- VBAC or C-section? If you are planning a vaginal birth, a longer pregnancy interval might help you find a more supportive provider and decrease your risk of rupture.
- Overall family size: How many kids you want should be a deciding factor in when and how to have them. The overall risks go up with each Cesarean and down with each VBAC.
What are the risks of getting pregnant too soon?
Your decision on how long to wait to get pregnant after a C-section should consider the risks of not waiting long enough.
Risks of getting pregnant too soon after a Cesarean include the increased risk of uterine rupture, preterm birth, low birth weight, a longer recovery time, and a more difficult pregnancy.
Can you get pregnant 1 month after C Section?
Yes. While it is possible to conceive much sooner than you might expect, it’s not recommended until at least 6 months after a Cesarean.
In fact, fertility can increase temporarily after birth, due to hormonal changes in the body. You can get pregnant as soon as 3 weeks after delivering your first child. However, most experts recommend waiting a minimum of 45 days before having sex and at least 6 months before conceiving another baby.
Can you have a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC)?
Up to 80% of women who attempt a VBAC will be successful. Here are some factors that make you a good candidate for a VBAC:
- Low-risk pregnancy
- VBAC with twins is considered safe as long as you have a low transverse incision.
- Have a low-transverse (or bikini cut) uterine scar
- Have a special scar, unless carrying multiples (with the exception of a classical incision)
- Do not have any other contraindications for a vaginal birth
ACOG suggests a few things to be contraindications to VBAC including:
- A prior high, or classical, uterine incision
- A prior uterine rupture
- Certain types of uterine surgery like fibroid removal
- An unknown scar type that is suspected to be a classical scar
Overall, choosing to birth after a Cesarean is a preference-sensitive decision and should be made for your unique circumstances with a provider who aligns with your birth goals.
How to increase your chances of a successful VBAC
It goes without saying that sometimes, Cesareans are life-saving; I have seen it myself as a doula. However, there are several things you can do to avoid an unnecessary Cesarean and increase the likelihood of having a VBAC.
Get educated about VBAC
There’s a lot to know besides how long to wait to get pregnant after a C-section. What are the risks? Does hypnobirthing work to ease the process?
Know your options, learn as much as you can about the risks of VBAC and repeat Cesarean, and take our VBAC Prep Course.
Find your support
Having a supportive team that knows you and your preferences will make the biggest difference n how your birth unfolds. Start with a VBAC supportive provider, find a VBAC trained doula, and know who in your social circle and family you can lean on to support you on your journey.
Trust and honor your intuition
Education and intuition are such a powerful force when used together. Trust in the things you have learned and tune into your intuition to drive your birth choices.
When your head and your heart align, you will know what you need to do.
FAQ
How long after AC section can you have a VBAC?
Depending on the number of C-sections had, medical experts recommend waiting between 6-15 months before getting pregnant again. This makes the suggested period to have a VBAC after a C-section 15-24 months. Waiting that long minimizes the risks of complications.
Is it hard to get pregnant after C-section?
Generally, you should expect to conceive about as easily as you did the first time. Only rarely is there an increased risk of infertility due to Cesarean.
How fertile are you after a C-section?
Your fertility is not typically affected by having had a C-section and, most medical experts recommend waiting at least 6 months before trying to conceive. Some may find it harder to conceive based on their incision type.
What happens if you get pregnant right after a C-section?
If you get pregnant right after having a Cesarean, research suggests that you are 2-3 times more likely to experience a uterine rupture.
How long does it take for a Caesarean to heal internally?
Typical healing for a Cesarean incision is six months although your whole body takes 12 months before it returns to “normal.”
Looking for a doula to help you through your VBAC? Check out our directory of “Doulas Near Me” to find the perfect match in your area.
Why Failure to Progress in Labor is Usually Failure to Wait
My husband and I were just talking the other night about the ideal time to get pregnant after a C-section. This post gives us just the information we need. Julie and Meghan, you guys are my heroes. With this blog and your podcast you give women such knowledge. Love you, it’s my dream to one day share my vbac story on your podcast. (Once I rock my vbac.)
What if you can’t conceive? And tried for a long time?
I would definitely recommend chatting with your care provider about what timing might be best for your specific circumstances and find one that supports your decisions.
Hi i m 2 month pregnant ,actually got pregnant after10 months of c section so i want to is there any least possibility of vbac
Hi, I had a VBAC 19 months after so I fell pregnant 10 months postpartum 🖤
I’m pregnant with my six child I had a c-setion last year is it too soon to have this child I’m as afaird
It’s six months past my c section.why IAM I not conceiving yet am having normal sex without any contraceptives?
Unfortunately we are unable to answer that. Sometimes it takes people longer to conceive. Wishing you luck on your journey. If you have any concern never hesitate to reach out to your provider
I am currently 38 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child – awaiting to have my chance at a VBA2C.
It was never my intention to have c-sections and it took me 5 years to find a supportive birth team, to work through all my birth traumas and to do a lot of research before feeling safe enough to fall pregnant again. 🙂
Thanks for posting these studies and for the awareness you guys are bringing.
Please let us know how did it go ?
Hello! I would love to know how you’re doing now and were you able to have a successful vbac?? And if so do you have any advice for those of us who are considering? Any info would help thanks and congrats!
So did you have a successful VBAC? Also what was your age at the time of delivery of your third baby? Above or below 35? Cz I have heard that chances of a successful VBAC decrease with age
My mum gave birth to 6 children , we were all natural births, my baby brother was the last born and my mother was 45 years old.
I’m not so sure if it’s about age , I think it’s about overall health.
I am 39 year old. In may 23, 2018 I had fibriod operation. In august 2019 I got pregnant. My due date was 4th april 2020 .althrough the pregnacy there was no complication we were both healthy althrough. I keep on asking my Doctor if I’m going to give birth normal or c-section she was always repling me with this yes for now but things may change at time go on even 2weeks to my due date i was still getting this same reply from her. But, something i didn’t expect or know happend on my due date. At 1 am on april 4th which my due date a strong pain came that cese my breath, i could breath and i was taking to the hospital and when igot there, i was told is going to be c-section which i have already known myself immeditly that pain started. I was also told my baby was in good condition but there is no doctor around now to conductor the cs i have to wait till 6 in the morning. Before they took me to the theater they check me and was also told everything is fine . At the time i was expecting to hold my baby in my arm i was to the baby didnt come out alive that my uterius got rupture and baby die. On the 17th of this month i will being completing 39 entry my 40. I don’t have a any child yet. And i was told to come for my child birth control after 2months which i am afriad of because i don’t want to ruin my chance of getting pregant. I am aging and i wish if i can start trying after 8 months. Any advice?
Consider low or no hormones bc like a copper iud. Otherwise you have to stay extremely vigilant with safe sex
I’m 22 years old, I gave birth 2 months ago using C-SECTION, I lost my baby few days ago but I just discovered that I’m pregnant again, what do I do?
Hello! I also had a my son on March unfortunately it was a still-birth for me. Found out I am pregnant on June. What are the doctors telling you about your pregnancy?
Hi my dear so what doctors said? R u still pregnant
Hello, I’m sorry for your loss. I lost my baby too after csection. I’m looking to get pregnant again. Could you please let me know how your pregnancy is going?
I’m so sorry for you loss. I had my baby in May2020 through csection and she also died.
I’d love to know how things are going for you. I’m very eager to get pregnant again but I want to wait the safe amount of time.
Hi how did your pregnancy go did you get another c section or vbac
I found out that I was pregnant in Dec 2019 after my son turned a year old in Nov 2019. I had him through CS after having my two other children through Virginal birth. now I’m in my 7th month of pregnancy and don’t want a CS again. although, after my son’s delivery, my doctor told me that I could have a normal delivery again before they discharged me. so I want to know if having a normal delivery is still an option considering the space between my son’s first birthday and the time I took in again? please I need a reply, thank you.
Hi, I am 35 year old, and I have had two C Sections earlier, 1st baby was premature born in 32 weeks, and 2nd born on Dec/23/19 (in 38 weeks). I have high BP and gestational diabetics. And again I am pregnant in last week of May/2020 ( just 5 months gap). could you please suggest is it safe, if not what all risks are. How to avoid those risks. or please suggest what should be done next.
Hi! It sounds like you have a lot going on. VBAC could still be possible for you as you get educated on each of these things individually, trust your intuition, and find a provider who covers each issue with you and considers what YOU want as well. Ultimately we always want a healthy mom and baby of course; you also deserve to have the experience you want, with a trusted provider. With so many things to discuss it sounds like you would be a great candidate for our VBAC perp course, we cover each of those things in depth. thevbaclink.com/vbac-class We also have blogs written on several of those topics you can easily search for on the search bar on the blog page.
Best of luck and congratulations!
I was a surrogate and had twins with section almost 4 months ago, I just found out I’m pregnant with my own.
Please can someone help. Government hospitals in SA are just.. Yeah. I had an emergency c-section in 2015, 2019 I fell pregnant again and went for an elective c-section. My son was born the 29/10/2019 (note, both my kids are alive and doing well). I recently found out that I was pregnant again, but the biggest shock is that I’m 22 weeks pregnant, which means there’s only 5 month gap between this pregnancy and my previous. The hospital can only see me the 23rd of September. I told them that I’m experiencing harsh pains and they said the hospital will see to me (which is a long freakin wait). Anyway, so, my lower stomach hurts REALLY bad, I have this weird pain in my lower back and it goes all the way down to the back of my thighs. Today, I’m finding it difficult to walk, and I can’t even lift my legs up without having the pain worse. I honestly dunno what I should do.
This post is probably very old but I’m curious to know how things went for you with this pregnancy?
Are you doing alright?
Did everything turn out okay for you? Are you and your baby okay? Do they know what happened?
Has anyone had 5 c-sections?
I’ve had four C-sections they all went well not much scar tissue after any of them.
After my last one three years ago my doctor did say my uterus was thinned out. He did say that he was OK with me having another C-section and and getting pregnant again.
I haven’t started trying yet as I want to get a little more advice prior to trying for one more.
My cousin and a nurse at the hospital where I had my c-section about 3 months ago both had 5 c-sections successfully.
I gave birth to my son through C’s 11/10/2020 and i lost him when he was 7month old,this is my 11th month now,i am planning to get pregnant again but i am scared bcuz i want give birth virginally,pls i want to know if it will be possible for me
Hi! So I had a baby who was incompatible with life. I had to have an emergency c-section which I don’t regret because we met her alive. Anyways I had her at 32 weeks. I long to have another baby curious if having a c-section before full term has any effect on how quickly I can recover.
Am vanessa wenkins by name from Australia. My husband decided to divorce me because i was unable to conceive after 12 years of marriage due to BARRENNESS, i visited different hospitals they were unable to help me i cried all day all to no avail, i decided to give up all hopes and move on with my life, until God intervene when a friend of mine who introduce me to the DR that helped her.i contacted him, telling him my problem and indeed he helped me. I really want to thank DR CHALE for the great work he did for me. After 12years of marriage, my husband and I were really desperate to have our own child . But through the help of great PROPHET DR IGBOYA, I was able to conceive two weeks after his spell. for more information contact DR via email: igboyaspiritualtemple@ gmail. com. With so much joy in my heart
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Thanks for sharing this. I’m sure many couples like us will get benefitted from this article.
My sister Deliver last yr april through cs now she is already pregnant 8 mon gone and she is feeling pain little by little in d scar work is normal 4 her to go through normal delivery
How did you later do it are you okay now and how is the baby too I would love to get a reply pls
We would suggest she discuss with her provider, and see a pelvic floor therapist. As the scar is healing, it is common for it to have pain in the scar area. Even years later it can happen as adhesions come etc. Check out our blog length between pregnancies that may help her as well.
I was diagnosed with PCOS and premature ovarian failure three years ago, and was told by my fertility doctor that I had little hope of having any baby, not only because of my relatively old age (I am 38). I had pretty much given no hope and had nothing to strive or opt for. As a last effort, my mother bought me your wonderful herbal medicine . It has been the greatest gift I have EVER received and a true life changer. Thanks to your intervention Dr. Ogbefi I am now a mother. Dr. Ogbefi” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you. contact him via email: ogbefiherbalcenter@outlook.com