How Long to Wait for #2 After Vertical Uterine Incision?

I would wait at least until your daughter is 1 or more. I know u want them close, but give yourself a chance to heal.

M. - SAHM AND WAHM and love it!

I've heard 2 years minimum between children.

Depending on how much you want to expand your family, you might look for a practitioner more amenable to vaginal birth. Your risks of complications go up with each surgery, and some docs are hesitant to do 3. It is possible to VBAC with a vertical. One resource is www.ican-online.org.

I didn't know they still did vertical c-sections. Is that mainly when it is an emergency? Or are some doctors still doing them?

I had a c section too, except I had the low transverse incision. My doctor had recommended waiting at least 6 months to let the tissue heal and allow time for scar tissue to from and strengthen. However, the incision you have is highly susceptible to rupture even before labor begins, the pressure alone of your growing uterus, and an active baby pushing, kicking and swimming around can cause serious complications. Making the decision too early could be risky. If I was in your situation I would wait an entire year, but the decision is ultimately up to you. I would just talk to your OBGYN and make a plan from there. I'm sure there are people who didn't wait a year and had a normal pregnancy without complications.

I was under the impression of at least a year. I had a c-section with my son, but it wasn't vertical. I also know that I discussed with my ob & primary care (whom does do deliveries) the possible v-bac and for that 2 years was suggested. Not that I am even sure what I am going to do I just wanted to know my options. Given your situation I would wait a little longer. You and your doctor can make the best decision for you and your family though. Good Luck!

Congrats of your daughter! I had an emergency c section in March. My OB said it was best to wait 18-24 mo before trying to get pregnant again (But also a discussion of VBAC). Another OB I consulted said 24 mo before giving birth so that would be at least 15 mo before getting pregnant. So we haven't started trying again (which I know was your orginal question :) ) I also want my children close together and it was difficult to get pregnant with my first (and I am not getting any younger :) )But I look at it as preparing my body for a healthy pregnancy/delivery/baby. Ultimately only you and your husband can make the decision as to what is best for your family.

Amy,

I have three little ones (3, 2, 1) all 14 months apart and all 3 sections were vertical. The doctor was very worried about me in the final trimester and I had to wear supportive devices. There is always the chance that you will (as the doctor said) split like a watermelon if you go into contractions. I thought he was just saying that to scare me, but he had a patient who had her little ones 13 months apart and she went into full blown labor and she split back open. soooo that being said I took a big risk getting prego as soon as I did. We weren't trying, in fact I was on pills and using condoms, so if you are planning on trying I would wait until your little one is at least 6 or 8 months. They will still be close in age, but you will get the chance to heal. Also make sure your doctor knows (if you switch) about the vertical and they will take the baby 2 weeks before your due date like they did mine. That way you won't go into contractions. Good luck, and if you ever need to chat I'm up for it.

R.