Who on here has had 5 or more C/S?

[cowangel]

I'm expecting #5 and so this will be my 5th C/S. Just wanting encouragement from those who have been there. If you've had 5 or more C/S what's your story? Here's mine:
#1 my water broke and I went into labor, after many hours in labor and me not progressing I had a C/S. I was dead tired and slept through the C/S and a few hours afterwards. Baby was healthy. It was emotionally difficult, b/c I did not want a C/S but I was thankful for my health and the baby's.

#2 Considered a VBAC, but after doing research decided on a repeat C/S b/c I have a small pelvis where a full term baby would probably not fit (if I went into labor early I would try to a VBAC) and I could not think about going through labor AND a C/S again - that was too much. Baby was born via planned C/S and was healthy.

#3 VBAC is no longer an option and I'm ok with that. Planned C/S. Baby was born healthy - no complications. Now I'm starting to know what to expect and what to ask for.

#4 Repeat C/S with a list of recommendations from me like seeing the baby while the baby is being cleaned up, seeing the baby BEFORE the baby is cleaned up, holding the baby while in surgery (which I was allowed to do - with my arms unstrapped), stitches - they work, tegaderm strip causes me an allergic reaction so don't use it, save my placenta...that sort of thing. Baby is born healthy. I had a uterine window, meaning the dr. could see the baby's face through my uterus and he didn't need a knife to cut into that part of my uterus - only slid his fingers across the scar. He says this means the next baby will probably be delivered @ 38 weeks after an amino to insure the lungs are developed. What an amino I now find myself asking? I know - big needle where they take out some of the amniotic fluid - does it hurt? What exactly is it and what can they tell from doing one?

#5 Will be a repeat C/S - I'm a little scared...here's were I need your words of advice and wisdom.

[happymama1]

Hi and congrats on baby #5

I had my maternal fetal specialist say that she is fine with most healthy women having 6 c-sections. I've also read things that suggest that each delivery (c/s) determines how complicated the next one will be. I would go with the attitude that many women with large families probably have a "window" in their uterus....but no one sees it. The significance is probably debatable.

With that being said, I would probably also be scared (like you) and do what they suggest about delivery...the amnio is probaby uncomfy but not horrible...and chances are things will still go smoothly!

[cowangel]

Originally Posted by happymama1 Hi and congrats on baby #5 I had my maternal fetal specialist say that she is fine with most healthy women having 6 c-sections. I've also read things that suggest that each delivery (c/s) determines how complicated the next one will be. I would go with the attitude that many women with large families probably have a "window" in their uterus....but no one sees it. The significance is probably debatable. With that being said, I would probably also be scared (like you) and do what they suggest about delivery...the amnio is probaby uncomfy but not horrible...and chances are things will still go smoothly!

Thanks for the words of comfort and encouragement!

[cowangel]

Oh and I wondered the same thing...if they hadn't opened me up would they even know I have a uterine window?

[myclanof6]

Originally Posted by cowangel Oh and I wondered the same thing...if they hadn't opened me up would they even know I have a uterine window?

I don't think they can know without actually seeing it. With my last c/s (3rd) she didn't note a window. This time around (scheduled for my 4th c/s on Dec 28th) she said she would be sure to let me know in the OR and after if there was any reason on why it would be unsafe to have another. She doesn't recommend more than 4 c/s but said as long as my uterus looks healthy at delivery she would keep me as a patient vs sending me to a high risk OB. She said if I had a window she would strongly recommend that I not have any more because the chance of rupture is extremely high.
All that said, I think for me personally, I don't think I would want to risk any more pregnancies if I had a window that the Dr could just rip open. I do hope that you have a safe delivery and a healthy baby!!

I would do the amnio and follow Dr recommendations. I can sympathize about the fear, but from what I've heard, doing them late in pregnancy has a lower risk of side effects.

[jaelynsmommy61607]

What happens if it comes back that babies lungs aren't mature? Are they going to let you go longer? Or would they keep you in the hospital?

[myclanof6]

Originally Posted by jaelynsmommy61607 What happens if it comes back that babies lungs aren't mature? Are they going to let you go longer? Or would they keep you in the hospital?

When I went into pre-term with #3 at 33, then 37 wks they gave me steroid injections each time to help mature his lungs. Labor stopped at 33 wks, but had the emergency section at 37, he spent about 8-12 hours with blow by O2 and then he was fine. We went home a few days later. I was only able to get 1 shot before they took him, I think it's a 3 shot series that they do, that was almost 8 yrs ago.
I would think they would give her the shots, but 38 wks is considered full term so they may not.

[jaelynsmommy61607]

Originally Posted by myclanof6 When I went into pre-term with #3 at 33, then 37 wks they gave me steroid injections each time to help mature his lungs. Labor stopped at 33 wks, but had the emergency section at 37, he spent about 8-12 hours with blow by O2 and then he was fine. We went home a few days later. I was only able to get 1 shot before they took him, I think it's a 3 shot series that they do, that was almost 8 yrs ago. I would think they would give her the shots, but 38 wks is considered full term so they may not.

I was under the impression they don't do the shots after 34/35 weeks. I had a 37 week to the day baby sbd didn't receive them. I'm asking because I'd probably decline the amniocentesis due to the fact they're probably not going to let you go longer anyways. id ask the Dr.

[vicky]

Yeah, I am on full bed rest right now at 33 weeks, and ob is doing everything to get me to Friday for 34 weeks. She says they don't do the shots after 34 weeks anymore. I had them with my first son at 33 weeks to get me to 34 weeks. Back then, they did the shots up until 36 weeks. My new ob said that it has shown to make their brains soft if they do them any later?

[myclanof6]

This was 8 years ago (12-23-04 is his bay), so I'm sure things have changed a bit. Wishing you luck on your delivery!!