FET after a C-section

A frozen embryo transfer places a previously stored embryo into the uterus during a prepared or monitored cycle. After a caesarean birth, clinicians consider the uterine scar, recovery from surgery, current bleeding pattern, breastfeeding, other pregnancies, and the reason for the caesarean. They may also review records from the birth and check the uterus before treatment.

The next pregnancy may need an individual birth plan. A previous caesarean does not by itself determine whether labour, induction, or another caesarean is appropriate. Options such as external cephalic version may be discussed if the baby is breech, depending on the pregnancy and scar history.

Attend a preconception review and share the operation report, postpartum complications, medicines, and any plans to breastfeed. Your team may use a natural or medicated cycle, with ultrasound and hormone monitoring to prepare the womb lining. Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed and discuss folic acid, long-term conditions, and vaccinations before transfer.

Ask how the previous indication for caesarean could affect antenatal care. If the birth involved high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, raise this early so prevention and monitoring can be planned. Postnatal physiotherapy may help ongoing scar, abdominal, back, or pelvic-floor symptoms, but it does not replace obstetric review.

Contact your maternity or fertility team for persistent wound pain, fever, unusual discharge, heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, or symptoms of pregnancy after transfer. Sudden severe pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding needs urgent assessment. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you feel acutely unwell.

Ask: Has my uterus recovered enough for transfer? Do I need an ultrasound or other review? Which cycle plan is suitable? How will my previous caesarean affect pregnancy monitoring and birth planning? When should I seek help for scar or pelvic symptoms?