How Long Should I Wait to Get Pregnant After a C-Section?

If you give birth via a cesarean section, or C-section, you may find yourself with questions about your future pregnancies and deliveries. And you wouldn't be alone; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 32% of all births in the U.S. are completed by C-section.

While having a C-section doesn't necessarily guarantee any specific experiences one way or another in subsequent pregnancies, there are certain things to consider when you give birth via this procedure. Ahead, learn more about getting pregnant again after a C-section, along with risks to keep in mind, and what to discuss with a health care provider.

When Can I Get Pregnant After a C-Section?

While many doctors advise people to wait 18 to 24 months before trying conceive again, this is especially true if you've delivered by C-section. This time-out gives your body a chance to heal and recover from surgery.

"In considering when it is safe to conceive again, we look at the interpregnancy interval (IPI)," says Pamela Promecene, MD, professor and obstetrician with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth/UT Physicians in Houston. "The IPI is the time from birth to the beginning of the following pregnancy. There is evidence to suggest that a short IPI, less than 18 months, has a higher risk of pregnancy complications in subsequent pregnancies."

That said, some people can and do conceive sooner. If you are hoping to expand your family and have recently had a C-section, you should consult with an OB-GYN or health care provider for further guidance.

What Are the Risks of Getting Pregnant After a C-Section?

Research shows that getting pregnant less than six months after a C-section can increase your risk of complications, such as ruptured uterus or exacerbation of your surgical scars, along with risks to your baby like low birth weight or preterm delivery.

If you'd like to try for a vaginal birth next time (also known as a VBAC), you have even more reason to consider holding off on getting pregnant. Studies have found that the rate of uterine rupture is higher during VBACs when it's been less than two years between deliveries.

That said, many people who get pregnant again quickly have totally healthy pregnancies and babies. The choice is ultimately up to you and the advice of a health care provider.

I'm Worried About My Fertility. Should I Wait to Conceive After a C-Section?

If you're older than 35, you may not want to wait another year to have another baby since fertility issues tend to rise with age. If you want to time your pregnancies close together because of your age, or for other reasons, talk to a health care provider. If you had a healthy pregnancy, it may be quite safe for you to begin trying to conceive again sooner.

What Should I Ask My Health Care Provider?

You've had a C-section. You've waited several months—or years—and now you're ready to conceive. You're hoping to expand your family. So what should you do and say? What questions should you be asking your doctor?

It's important to talk through all of your options—and the risks that accompany them. Is VBAC a possibility? Will there be additional screenings and ultrasounds for your subsequent pregnancy? Every OB-GYN or health care provider is different—and levels of comfort vary. You can also ask how long they recommend you wait, if you haven't already. A health care provider will be able to give you the most accurate information based on your age, health, and other risk factors.