Are elective c-sections easier to recover from than emergency ones?!

[beansprout]

I was told this is the case by someone who works in an obs/gyne dept. I can't work out how this could be as surely it is the big slice in yer belly that needs to heal and that's the same no matter what the circumstances.

Anyone?

[mummytummy]

I wouldn't have thought so (although maybe emotionally, if it is a pre-planned elective c-section). I had a 28 hour labour followed by a c-section 1st time around, and was absolutely knackered because of the long labour. I had to have an elective c-section 2nd time round because my pelvis is apparently too small for birth (could have told me first time - thanks!!), and with no labour previously, I did feel much better. Recovery was quicker, but presumably that was down to the lack of labour, and because I was emotionally prepared and knew what to expect.

[beansprout]

That makes sense. Her logic was that elective sections take longer and therefore, are done with more care, so they are easier to recover from. All a bit odd?

[mummytummy]

Have you got to make a decision yourself?

[beansprout]

Not at the moment. Had an emergency c-section first time because of failure to progress (ie no contractions at all!), so am a candidate for next time. Still have nightmares about both the labouring bit and the section though, so am not keen to do anything just yet!

[mummytummy]

You'll probably change your mind 100 times before the birth too!! I was having nightmares about both scenarios too, but at my 36 week appointment I had decided on VBAC, but it was taken out of my hands. I do know a couple of people that have had successful VBACs and are completely pro because of the speedy recovery afterwards. As far as c-section goes, it was a much nicer experience 2nd time around, so whatever your decision, it won't be as bad as you are imagining!!

[beansprout]

Thanks mummytummy!

[mears]

Elective sections do not take longer than emergency ones. In a case of real emergency the incision through to the baby is much faster, however very few C/S deliveries are such an emergency. The actual length of the operation depends on other factors such as bleeding etc. The faster recovery is usually apportioned to the fact you are less tired having not gone through labour.

[beansprout]

That makes sense. Thanks mears!

[ChocolateGirl]

I had an emergency section first time round and then two elective ones. I found the elective ones easier to recover from because, as others have said, I wasn't tired from labouring, and also it wasn't such a shock. I knew from experience what to expect for a start, and had lots of time to get used to the idea that my babies would be born by section because I was told after the first one I'd need sections in the future.

Hope all goes well for you whatever happens. I enjoyed the elective sections, if that's any comfort, they were nice. I know that's a funny thing to say about an op but they were a lot less stressful than the first one.

[Uwila]

I think the amount of drugs pumped into you may make a difference as well. My first was born by emergency after failed induction. I had a bit of gas and air, a couple different epidural medicines (a weker on to start with, then upgraded to a stronger one). And then changed to a block when we went for c-section. But then, I ended up being given a general because the block wasn't taking effect fast enough. It was also about 3am by the time I was in the theatre. I suppose having all of these drugs in the system probably didn't help me get up and around for a speedy recovery the next (same) day.

I believe planned c-sections are generally done with a block and early in the morning. That way you can get up and start wlking around that day, which is suppose to aid recovery.

I too am prenant now, and have debated a little bit. But I knew early on that I wanted to go for planned section. Just have to get consultant approval for this at 36 weeks. I plan to beg, plead, threaten bodily harm... whatever it take.

[futurity]

i had my c-section on tuesday and am recovering better than i did with my first emergency c-section. i am taking arnica this time which may be helping but also i think it is due to the fact that i didn't have 18 hours of labour this time before the major operation!

[Prufrock]

I would agree with mears - my first was an "emergency" due to failed induction. I actually had it 8 hours later as I'd just eaten. It did take longer to recover ,but I think taht was because I'd spent the previous 2 days on an uncomfortable hospital bed having gel pushed up me, intermitent contractions and not sleeping at all.
With my second I spent the previous night in my own bed, was driven to hospital and waited in my own quite room for 30 minutes before a leaisurely (well as leisurely as you can be in a hospital gown) walk down to theatre. Healing was a lot quicker