Repeat C-section and placental problems

What placental problems can occur after C-section?

The placenta is the organ that connects the baby to the mother. There is an increased chance of the placenta implanting into or over the scar in future pregnancies after Cesarean. These problems are known as placenta previa and placenta accreta. The more Cesareans you have the greater chance of having these problems.

Placenta previa is a placenta that covers part or all of the inner opening of the cervix (opening to the uterus) .

Placenta accreta is when the placenta may attach to the uterine wall so tightly that it cannot be removed.

In either case, there is a risk of bleeding and a hysterectomy may be needed to remove the uterus. A hysterectomy would not allow you to have future pregnancies. In rare cases, bleeding in these situations can result in death.

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What is the chance of a mother dying?

The risk of the mother dying during planned Cesarean is around 10 in 100,000 and increases with each repeat Cesarean. The risk of the mother dying from planned VBAC is less than 1 in 100,000