After a cesarean section, a scar remains on the uterus. Many myths are associated with it regarding repeated pregnancy and childbirth.
The risk of complications in repeated births does remain. If a cesarean was performed due to a certain diagnosis of a pregnant woman, for example, a heart defect, then repeated childbirth, alas, will be operating again.
But if the caesarean was urgent and the prerequisites for it arose already in childbirth, then there is a high probability that the next time the woman will be able to give birth herself.
It is also important to remember that a scar on the uterus remains not only from a cesarean section. If a woman gave birth naturally once, and then received a scar, then the second time the situation with childbirth may change.
A scar can occur, for example, after the removal of uterine fibroids. And then, during the next pregnancy, there may already be indications for a cesarean section, although the first birth was natural.
What other myths are associated with a uterine scar?
1. Uterine rupture is the only complication in the presence of a scar
Unfortunately, this is not the only possible complication. Placental ingrowth may occur - it is very dangerous and life threatening. Due to ingrowth of the placenta, a huge amount of blood loss during and after childbirth can occur.
With constant monitoring of the course of pregnancy, proper preparation for childbirth, doctors can predict this situation and make childbirth safe.
2. Due to the scar on the uterus, miscarriages and premature births occur
According to doctors, the scar itself does not affect the course of pregnancy. It is threatened by other factors and reasons related to the health of the mother and baby.
3. It is impossible to find out about the state of the scar after cesarean and predict the next birth.
Modern technology helps to examine the scar well and give doctors an understanding of whether a pregnant woman can give birth naturally.
For the examination, it is necessary to do an ultrasound scan and conduct a hysteroscopy. This is possible as early as 6 months after the operation. The doctor will see the condition of the uterus and its surface, assess the inconsistency of the scar, its shape, color, presence or absence of blood vessels, contour, etc.
4. The course of pregnancy does not affect the mode of delivery
The pregnancy itself, both before cesarean and before natural childbirth, can proceed in the same way. But such a fact as a large fetal weight - about 4.5 kg, breech presentation or multiple pregnancy - will speak in favor of cesarean, especially if there is a scar.
5. After a cesarean, at least 3 years must pass before the next birth
According to modern data and recommendations, it is enough 2 years between the first and second births for a woman's body to return to a pre-pregnant state.
The condition of the scar and the ability to give birth will naturally not be affected by whether you have waited 2 or 4 years.
6. Women with a scar are not given anesthesia and labor is stimulated
Induction of labor in the presence of a scar is not recommended. If the cervix is mature, opens normally, and labor proceeds at a normal rate, then anesthesia may simply not be needed, although it can be done.
Without anesthesia, it will be easier for the doctor to follow the process, to monitor any changes so as not to miss the scar dehiscence.7. Natural childbirth with a scar on the uterus is accepted in every maternity hospital
A woman with a scar must give birth in an institution where an emergency caesarean section can be performed at any time. Unfortunately, this is not possible in all maternity hospitals.
But if there is an urgent need for a cesarean, there will be very little time, therefore the maternity hospital must be chosen from the very beginning. And certainly not to give birth at home.
Doctors warn that it is in the maternity ward, and not in the gynecologist's office, that the decision is made about whether a woman will be able to give birth herself or not. You need to be ready for this.
And remember that many mothers with a scar on the uterus naturally give birth to several healthy children. This is not a myth.
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