Getting Pregnant After Caesarian Child Birth

After the Mother struggles through labor and recovery after a caesarean section, then the question arises: when can I get pregnant again and do I have to return to childbirth by caesarean section? This article explains what you need to know about pregnancy after caesarean delivery.

When is the best time to get pregnant again after a caesarean section? In general, both women who give birth normally and by caesarean section are advised to wait at least 18 months and not more than 5 years after delivery to avoid the risk of problems in subsequent pregnancies.

Mothers can use various types of contraception to delay pregnancy, such as birth control pills, family planning injections, implantable birth control, and spiral KB or IUD ( intrauterine device ).

Things You Need to Do During Delaying Pregnancy

During delaying pregnancy, Mother certainly needs to prepare the body's health for the next pregnancy by living a healthy lifestyle. Examples of things you can do are:

1. Keep your ideal weight

After giving birth, you are advised to reduce weight until you reach the ideal body mass index (BMI) within 6-12 months after delivery. The trick is to adopt a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

2. Adequate intake of folic acid

Mothers are also advised to consume folic acid as much as 400 micrograms every day, at least 1 month before planning to get pregnant again. Consumption of folic acid continues during pregnancy. Folic acid has the benefit of preventing birth defects in the brain, nerves, and spine of the baby.

3. Stop smoking and consume alcohol

Mothers who have smoking habits or use tools that contain nicotine, such as nicotine patch or vape , need to stop the habit immediately to reduce the risk of problems in subsequent pregnancies. Besides smoking, alcohol consumption habits also need to be stopped.

If you find it difficult to stop smoking or consume alcoholic beverages, try to consult a doctor.

4. Routinely examine the health condition

If you have a chronic illness, you are strongly advised to routinely conduct health checks, adhere to taking drugs, and maintain a healthy lifestyle while delaying pregnancy. Chronic diseases that need to be examined include:

• Sexually transmitted diseases, such as hepatitis B and HIV.
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis .
• Hypertension and heart disease.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Thyroid disorders.
• Epilepsy.
• Kidney illness.
• Antiphospholipid syndrome .
• Psychological disorders, such as postpartum depression.

If you experience interference during a previous pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes (diabetes that occurs during pregnancy) and preeclampsia , or if you experience complications after a caesarean section, you should do a routine check up to the obstetrician.

Choice of Labor Methods for Further Pregnancy

Pregnant women who have given birth by caesarean section are generally advised to give birth by the same method in subsequent pregnancies. In addition, there are several conditions that require pregnant women to give birth by caesarean section, including:

• The pelvis is narrow or the size of the fetus is too large to pass through the pelvis.
• Infection of the placenta and fetus ( chorioamnionitis ).
• Eclampsia and HELLP syndrome .
• Severe fetal conditions that can cause oxygen deficiency in the fetus.
• Thumbbell umbilical cord, the baby's umbilical cord is between the head of the fetus and the vagina so that it can cause the fetus to lack oxygen.
• Previous caesarean section wound was a classic caesarean section (vertical incision).
• Previa placenta or placenta covers the birth of the baby, so the baby cannot be born normal.
• Position of breech or transverse baby.
• Rahim's torn.

In addition, pregnant women who have had a caesarean section are at risk of developing placenta accreta , which implies the placenta into the uterine muscle layer (myometrium). That is why, doctors will recommend a caesarean section again in subsequent pregnancies, to avoid heavy bleeding during labor.

Normal labor after cesarean section

Mothers who previously gave birth by caesarean section can have a normal delivery in a subsequent pregnancy. This is also called vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). VBAC can be done with the following conditions:

• Bunda does not have 2 former transverse surgical incisions.
• There are no scars or abnormalities in the uterus.
• Never experience uterine tears.
• Subsequent normal deliveries are carried out in hospitals that are ready for emergency caesarean section if needed.

Compared to labor through repeated caesarean section methods, VBAC has several advantages, namely:

• The risk of babies experiencing smaller breathing problems.
• Opportunities for early breastfeeding (IMD) initiation and greater breastfeeding success.
• Recovery after childbirth is faster and the pain is lighter, so the hospitalization period is shorter.
• The production of the hormone oxytocin or the hormone 'affection' is higher, so that the bond between mother and baby can be tightly intertwined.
• The risk of labor complications, such as infection, bleeding, or blockage due to blood clots ( thromboembolism ), is lower.
• No risk of complications due to surgery and anesthesia.
• The risk of subsequent labor, such as placental disorders, ectopic pregnancy, and stillbirth, is lower than repeat caesarean section.

But you need to know, if complications occur during the VBAC trial, emergency caesarean section is more risky than planned (elective) caesarean section. Therefore, you need to discuss with your obstetrician the best choice of maternity method in the next pregnancy.