Can C-sections Affect Fertility?

Be encouraged, dear. I have two teenagers, both were born naturally. I know NOTHING about C-sections, but guess what? I know GOD! And He can do ANYTHING--with Him NOTHING is impossible! You hang in there. Don't worry about this. Our "little treasures" come from God, and if HE wants this for your life, rest assured that previous C-sections and NOTHING else can stop it! You hold on; what God has for you IS for you! I write this because I KNOW what it is to feel heartbroken about not getting impregnated. My youngest is almost 16 years old, and right after he was born, the LORD allowed me to know that a third child was coming, but not right then. Nearly 16 years have passed. For a long time, I went on, desperately wanting that third child. Finally, I said, "So be it. I don't want any more children." About 6 months ago, the Holy Ghost impressed upon me that the third child is "on the way". I've been preparing my heart (I'm 5 months from being 40); yet, month after month, my cycle has shown up. It's been hard, because that "feeling" has come back, but you know what? God NEVER made a promise that He didn't keep. If Abraham and Sarah, and Zechariah and Elizabeth could do it with HIS aid, surely, surely you and I can. Forty years old or C-section---it doesn't stop God! I don't know what His plan is for your life, but you believe! Because FAITH is what moves Him! Someone may not agree, but dear, God is our EVERYTHING!!!!

I had six pregnancy and three c-sections so I don't see how having one can cause fertility problems. Talk to your ObGyn instead of getting all the conflicting information off the internet.

J.

M., I've not had any c-sections, but I do have 3 girls. All of them planned, the first two we got pregnant the first month. NO Problems, they are 6 years apart. On #3, we wanted to have them close together, so we planned it out perfectly again, starting right after the middle-ones 1st bithday. However, God had different plans and it took us about 6 months to get pregnant! I NEVER thought we would have problems on #3 since the first two were so easy. It was strange and scarey to me to go month after month without success, and I started to worry it would never happen. We decided to layoff and wait a month or two and wouldn't you know it, we got pregnant the first month we quit "trying". I don't know why we had the delay, but all are perfect and healthy. So my advice to you is to try to stop thinking about it so much and relax. It will happen if and when it is supposed to! Enjoy! -S.

I know several ladies who have 6 or more children, by c-section. Don't get discouraged. 6 months seems long, but it isn't. Relax and enjoy the children you have, and wait on God.

I just had a baby at 40 after 5 surgeries: I have had three c-sections as well as two other surgeries in the same place for fertility issues, but none of those issues came from the c-section itself.

Don't worry...I doubt very seriously your problems are related to the c-sections. Six months isn't that long; just relax and it will happen! Good luck!

Hi M.,
I have four beautiful Children ,my first two I had natural and the last two were by c-section. My first C-section was emergency and I still got pregnant again after haveing it done. My sister also had c-sections and had no problem getting pregnant. I've never heard that it causes any problems getting pregnant. Good luck and let me know how things all work out.

I am not sure but would like to find out as well. I had two c-sections and my husband and I have been trying to conceive for over a year now.

i have never heard of this my mom had three c-sections and never was infertile... i think it's bull if you ask me quit trying to force it just enjoy yourself and when it's time it will happen

I haven't heard of C-sec routinely (maybe in very, very, rare complications) causing infertility, and I know lots of moms who had them and have had kids afterwards. Sounds like you had one and it didn't affect your fertility the first time...
I'd say it was more luck than anything else that you and DH conceived both your kids on the first try. For most healthy couples with no fertility issues, it can take 6 months to a year of serious trying to get pregnant. You said you've been trying off and on. Also with your hubby being a fire fighter, I'm guessing he works shifts that keep him away for a few days in a row... Remember there are only about 1-3 days per month that a woman can conceive - if you miss that window, its not going to happen.
I first suggest you just go visit your family doc or OB for a checkup. Let the doc know you are wanting to get pregnant, and they can prescribe prenatals, do some basic bloodwork, and make sure you are overall healthy and ready to get pg. Won't hurt for hubby to do the same, and take a daily vitamin too.
Also pick up a book on Natural Family Planning. There are dozens out there, and you can find cycle predictors online for free to help you figure out which are your more fertile days. A PP recommended one she likes. You can also check with the Couple to Couple League, and find out if there is a couple who live close to you that can give you one-on-one training and help with those first few months of charting. DH and I used NFP to prevent pregnancy, and when we were ready, to get pregnant too - and it took 6 months the first time, 7 the second. Learn your body's cues that its time to try, and you and hubby have fun!
If after 6 more months of SERIOUS trying you still aren't successful, get back in touch with the ob.

Yes, they can and do. See www.ican-online.org for more information.

I don't think so. I had one child naturally and then a c-section and had two more naturally. You may just need to let your body recover since they are really close in age. If you try to soon you may miscarry. I wouldn't worry about it and put it in Gods hands!!!

I have not read anything about that, but I also had a C-section, but I have been trying to get pregnant almost 2 years. I have severe endometriosis. I too, got pregnant immediately with my daughter, who is 5 now. I got pregnant on my honeymoon, after being off the pill 3 months. I'm 40 now, and have almost accepted that I will not have another child. My daughter will be an only child. It really breaks my heart, but I am so grateful that I had her. My doctor recommended fertility treatments and IUI for me to try and get pregnant, but we can't afford it, and I'm also scared of Clomid resulting in twins. I need a hysterectomy, but have been putting it off because I still have this sliver of hope that a miracle will happen. Anyway, good luck with you. I did not know that a C-section could affect it. I have read something about former abdominal surgery, such as appendectomy, and the scar tissue that is left. I had an appendectomy in 1999 and had to be cut, due to infection in my right tube and ovary. I have always thought that maybe it had something to do with it.

I know there are alot of antectdotal stories about women having many children by c-section, but the fact is that c-section can cause infertility. It is more difficult for a baby to implant in a scarred uterus. Statistically, 20% of women who have had c-sections report trouble conceiving again, vs. 5% of those who have had vaginal births. http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20040114/c-section-may-aff...

You may want to consult a fertility specialist, just to rule out any other cause as well. Hormones or thyroid issues can definitely be to blame. Hang in there mama...you'll be in my prayers.

I have had 3 children, all born via c-section. We were able to get pregnant within the first couple months when trying for the first time, only to have a miscarriage but once again were pregnant 2 months later. I got pregnant immediately with my 2nd child. We got pregnant within the first couple months of trying for the third, however had a miscarriage and it took us 10 LONG months before we finally became pregnant again. All I know is from personal experience having c-sections has not affected our ability to conceive or have healthy pregnancies.

There can be any number of reasons but after 6 months of trying I wouldnt jump the gun about blaming anything yet. You should know that healthy couples with no known issues tend to take up to a year to get pregnant. Each month you only have about a 20% to 25% chance of getting pregnant.
Your best bet is to read the book Taking Charge Of Your Fertility. It is a wonderful book that every woman no matter ttc or not should read.
Make sure both you and your husband are eating healthy. Also make sure you husband isnt wearing tight underwear or pants. If he uses a sauna or hot tub have him stop and if he rides a bicycle on a regular basis have him either cut back or change the seat on it to a more body friendly seat.

I have two beautiful babies who were both delivered via c-section. I wouldnt recommend this but I have a friend who has had 6 children who were all delivered via c-sections. So I think your okay. I have PCOS and I was never supposed be able to get pregnant, so my babygirl was an unexpected miracle. We tried for 2 1/2 years before finally giving up and becoming pregnant with my son. The worse thing that you can do is try to hard. As soon as you give up and relax it will happen. If it happend for me it will for you too. Good luck and remember to relax.

I'm not sure if a c-section can affect it or not, but here's something natural & relaxing to try to boost fertility.
Get a foot reflexology massage. Let the massuse know you are wanting to increase fertility. It may help (it helped us), plus it's relaxing. A full body massage could do the same thing. You may want to schedule a couple massages. Try one around the end or first day of your cycle & the next just before you should ovulate.
Take care, relax, & enjoy the massage.

I've had 3 c-sections. First and second pregnancies happened within 3 months. It took over two years for the third pregnancy. I was in my 30's, may be why it took longer the last time. Give it time, give it over to God.

I don't know how true that is.

I have 3 daughters, all born by c-section. Your weight, hormones and stress can also decrease your chances of conception. Your kids are pretty close together. You may need to give your body a little more time to bounce back.

Definitely not ... you may have post-surgical scar tissue, if anything, causing any problems. This could occur after any medical procedure. Have you been checked for endometriosis? This can occur at any time for women and affects fertility, regardless of past child deliveries or not. You mention already having 2 children but not your age. Each year a woman's fertility is slightly reduced until menopause. Have a really good exam by a ob/gyn and if all is healthy it is just not your natural time to become pregnant. Enjoy your two other children and act as though nothing is wrong. Stress can definitely effect your fertility. Some friends of ours tried for YEARS to conceive and were terribly sad and stressed by nothing happening ... they finally decided to forget about it, buy a house and new furniture. Of course, she was pregnant two months later and had no problem getting pregnant another time after that. They just quit "trying" to make it happen.

Hey M.,

I haven't heard anything about this.
I know several of my mother's friends who had c-sections (so think the '80s) and had 3 and 4 kids just fine.

I had a c-section with my first daughter and will have another with this second one.

Have you asked your doctor about this? Maybe the articles are causing you to stress . . . I know so far each time I've gotten pregnant it has not been planned and therefore I was thinking about it.
I hope this is the reason for your having difficulty getting pregnant this time. Also, are you taking folic acid because this helps get your body ready for a healthy baby.

R.

I have not heard of that. I have three children, all c-sections. If it is meant to be it will. Good luck God bless

Hi M.,

Not true! I had 4 C-sections. The reason may be psychological or another reason, but I doubt its because of the section. There was a gap between my 2 older kids and 2 younger kids also. Try talking to your OBGYN or put yourself in a frame of mind to relax and not try too hard getting pregnant. Act like you dont want to get pregnant and then you will. See what I mean?

If c-sections and infertility are linked it is only by the Doctor's technical ability or lack of it. Way too many people have had second and third children after a c-section for this to be true.
If you were on birth control after your last child, start your research there...
Also consider other factors such as your age, stress level, ect.

Dear M.,
I am a 51 year old mother of three, ages 21, 17, and 13. Each were delivered by c-section. I guess I was not very fertile because as you can see my children are four years apart. At this time in your life I would say that you have nothing to worry about. Relax, I'm sure it will happen soon.