Future pregnancies following a caesarean birth
Having a caesarean birth might have the following effects on future pregnancies: • 9 in 1000 women/birthing people have a low lying placenta (placenta praevia), this is where the placenta blocks the exit of the womb. This chance increases with the number of caesarean births you have. • 1 in 1000 women/birthing people have an invasive placenta, this is where the placenta invades the wall of the womb. This chance increases with the number of caesarean births you have. • Stillbirth after 39 weeks is uncommon, but may be increased in pregnancies after caesarean birth. The evidence is unclear. • 2 in 1000 women/birthing people have a womb (uterine) rupture, which is when a hole forms in the womb. Future birth options: Choosing between a repeat caesarean birth or a vaginal birth after a caesarean birth (VBAC) may be an option. This will depend on the reason for your previous caesarean birth and your next pregnancy.