What this birth means for the next one
The short version.
A few things carry forward, and it is worth knowing them while this birth is fresh:
- A severe tear. Recurrence risk in a next vaginal birth is about 7.2% against 1.3% without a previous tear. Ask for a copy of what degree it was.
- A cesarean. Changes everything about the next pregnancy. See Part 2 of this tool, which covers it in full.
- Preeclampsia. Puts you in the group who should be offered low-dose aspirin next time.
- Gestational diabetes. Raises your own long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and should be followed up.
- Postpartum hemorrhage. Is a risk factor for it happening again, and should be on the record.
- A traumatic experience. Is a reason for a different plan next time, not something to be talked out of.
Get your records before you leaveAsk for a copy of the birth summary and any operative note. In five years you will not remember, and neither will the hospital's front desk.
Where this comes from:
213. Edozien LC, Gurol-Urganci I, Cromwell DA, Adams EJ, Richmond DH, Mahmood TA, et al. Impact of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears at first birth on subsequent pregnancy outcomes: a cohort study. BJOG. 2014;121(13):1695-1703.
159. Rolnik DL, Wright D, Poon LC, O'Gorman N, Syngelaki A, de Paco Matallana C, et al. Aspirin versus placebo in pregnancies at high risk for preterm preeclampsia. N Engl J Med. 2017;377(7):613-622.
268. Silver RM, Landon MB, Rouse DJ, Leveno KJ, Spong CY, Thom EA, et al. Maternal morbidity associated with multiple repeat cesarean deliveries. Obstet Gynecol. 2006;107(6):1226-1232.
Covered in the essential classes
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More from After the birth
This page is educational. It supports the conversation with your own clinicians. It is not consent to any treatment, and it cannot assess you. If you are worried about a symptom now, see urgent warning signs.