Find out about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Mayo Clinic patient and visitor updates. Skip to site navigation Skip to Content This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.
Appointments at Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Request Appointment
Repeat C-sections Is there a limit
Products and services
How many C-sections can women safely have
Answer From Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. Each repeat C-section is generally more complicated than the last. However, research hasn't established the exact number of repeat C-sections considered safe. Women who have multiple repeat cesarean deliveries are at increased risk of: Problems with the placenta. The more C-sections you've had, the greater is your risk of developing problems with the placenta - such as the placenta implanting too deeply into the uterine wall (placenta accreta) or the placenta partially or completely covering the opening of the cervix (placenta previa). Both conditions increase the risk of premature birth, excessive bleeding, and the need for blood transfusion and the surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). Complications related to adhesions. Bands of scar-like tissue (adhesions) develop during each C-section. Dense adhesions can make a C-section more difficult and increase the risk of a bladder or bowel injury and excessive bleeding. Incision-related complications. The risk of incision-related problems, such as a hernia, increases as the number of previous abdominal incisions grows. Surgical repair might be needed. The number of C-sections you've had can also affect your future delivery options. A trial of labor isn't recommended after three or more prior C-sections. Deciding how you will deliver your next baby after a previous C-section can be a complex decision. Talk to your health care provider. He or she can help you weigh the risks of a repeat C-section against your desire for future pregnancies. With Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. ShareTweet June 03, 2022 Show references Berghella V. Repeat cesarean delivery. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 17, 2020. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 761: Cesarean delivery on maternal request. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2019; doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003006. See more Expert Answers
Products and Services
Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionBook: ObstetricksBook: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
See also
Conjoined twinsC-sectionC-section recoveryFetal macrosomiaNew Test for PreeclampsiaPlacentaPlacenta accretaPlacenta previaPlacental abruptionPreeclampsiaPregnancy and obesitySpina bifidaVideo: Cesarean sectionShow more related content
Advertisement
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices
Mayo Clinic Press
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book
Other Topics in Patient Care & Health Info
Diseases & Conditions A-Z Symptoms A-Z Tests & Procedures A-Z Drugs & Supplements A-Z Health Books Healthy Living Program Mayo Clinic Health Letter Mayo Clinic Voice Apps . FAQ-20058380 Home Repeat C-sections Is there a limit
Mayo Clinic Footer
Legal Conditions and Terms
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Notice of Privacy Practices Notice of Nondiscrimination Manage Cookies
Advertising
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.Advertising and sponsorship policyAdvertising and sponsorship opportunities
Reprint Permissions
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.