My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Childbirth

Elective c section

11 replies

Tootsieglitterballs · 03/08/2016 23:02

Just wondering if anyone can share any experiences of an elective section after having had an emergency section?

To be honest, we aren't even expecting our second yet, but my dr had a conversation about our future baby plans with me today and this came up. She thinks when we have another, after such a bad labour last time ending in a section, I should go straight for an elective.

Having another section, the recovery, the not being able to pick up my toddler etc scares me - especially as last time I had infection after infection after infection....

Just hoping to hear some 'real life' experiences please - thankyou!

OP posts:
Report
NewlyNamedMe · 03/08/2016 23:23

Although my second pregnancy didnt end in an emergency section, I was similar to you. I was literally one failed push away from a csection. My advice would be that if you're likely to emd up with one then opt for an elective. The recovery is much easier and tou wont be half as exhausted as if you had been in labour for days.

There are things you can do with the toddler for a few weeks to avoid picking them up etc. Don't worry about that.

I think it would be easier on you psychologically and you can prep in advance for help eith the toddler x

Report
GiddyOnZackHunt · 03/08/2016 23:33

I hadn't had a emcs but had to have am elcs with my last pg I was mobile as in trotting about the next day. Had dd up on my bed for cuddles the same day, walked downstairs on day 4 and was driving at 3 weeks.

Report
elliejjtiny · 04/08/2016 02:41

I've had both, although I had elective then emergency. Elective was easier and was less tired. However I found elective was a lot slower so more time to be nervous.

Report
ThisIslandGirl · 04/08/2016 03:23

I'm in exactly the same position as you Tootsie, and was wondering about this myself so interested in other people's views. I had to be put to sleep very quickly for my EMCS after being induced and it was quite scary so I feel quite anxious about being in labour again and think that I would prefer an ELCS if I got pregnant again.

Newly, that's really useful, I hadn't thought about the fact that after not technically being in labour you would be less tired.

Report
vitalite · 04/08/2016 04:27

I've had a emcs with ds1, a vbac with ds2 and an elcs with ds3. After my vbac I would have said that's the way to go but now that I've had an elcs I actually would have another if doing it all again. I was nervous about the recovery from elcs but it really was much better than I anticipated. They get you up on our feet really fast now and I was home from hosp in less than 48 hours. I was also less exhausted to deal with my new baby after the elcs. Overall the elcs was a very civilised experience and I'd do it again. Just need to be careful on the other side with heavy lifting etc as r is easy to overdo it.

Report
DorotheaHomeAlone · 04/08/2016 04:36

I had an emcs in 2014 for failure to progress and opted for an elcs this time. I had an easy recovery both times due largely to my DH taking over absolutely all household chores and doing all nappies for both kids for the first couple of weeks. Did you rest enough last time? I loved my elcs. It was very calm and civilised. Was up and walking that evening, home the next day and pretty much healed within a fortnight. Gently moving about but otherwise resting is key I think but you need good support.

Report
Minkybinkyboo · 04/08/2016 08:17

I had an ELCS 12 weeks ago. I was nervous about recovery as my DD is 2 and a mummy's girl. It's been absolutely fine though. I was able to plan all my childcare as I knew the date, left hospital the following day and was mobile pretty much straight away. Don't get me wrong it hurt, I had to rest and it was hard not being able to pickup DD but we adapted for a couple of weeks. By second week I was out walking and by third pushing double buggy. Take as much help as you can and listen to your body when it's tired. Good luck whatever you decide.

Report
Haggisfish · 04/08/2016 08:20

I had Elcs after emcs-it was wonderful! Was not really tired at all and got peace for first two days by staying in hospital for recovery. Was a bit difficult not picking up dd1 but as I mainly sat around feeding for first four weeks, it wasn't too bad. My mum helped lots in first two weeks.

Report
chocoLit · 04/08/2016 08:39

I had an elective after an emergency section and it's a COMPLETELY different experience.

It took me about 8months to recover from the car crash failed labour & emergency one.

I discharged myself from hospital the day after my elective.

Honestly. The difference was unbelievable.

Report
chocoLit · 04/08/2016 08:39

I had an elective after an emergency section and it's a COMPLETELY different experience.

It took me about 8months to recover from the car crash failed labour & emergency one.

I discharged myself from hospital the day after my elective.

Honestly. The difference was unbelievable.

Report
Tootsieglitterballs · 04/08/2016 22:22

Thanks so much ladies, all these comments really do help. I'm delighted to hear the recovery is better!

OP posts:
Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.