What exactly happens at a c section pre op?

[VainVulva]

i have my c section pre op tomorrow and I'm starting to get nervous about it. I like to know exactly what happens.

The thing I really want to know is if they will do an internal or go near that area at all

[GoodZingWenceslass]

I had a C-section with my 3rd, no internal exam.
I don't think it's part of the process.

if there's any problems or doubts about baby's position you'd have an ultrasound if needed.

you need to not eat anything after midnight, not even water after 6 am or whatever you were advised.

you go in, get your bed, gown up and surgeon and/or anaesthesiologist (sp?) will come talk to you and get you to sign papers. you can ask any questions then.
it is nerve wrecking, but try and keep it together.

I was told I can take my favourite CD and we listened to it in the op theatre - take yours and ask if they can do the same for you, shouldn't be a problem! it will keep you focused/happy/calm to have something familiar & well loved to listen to.

when you are in you will get a spinal, you must do as you are told for an easy siting of the meds. your legs will go numb, can't lift them, your arms and chest might feel heavy too. if you find your breathing is troublesome you will get an oxygen mask to help you. you might feel a bit panicked or claustrophobic from not being able to move, but that's normal, you can do it and you will be ok!
any problems at all just tell them, they know what they are doing and will take great care of you and your baby.

when she or he is about to be born they will tell you that you'll feel a tug (not painful), then they will lower the screen and lift your baby up (like in Lion King ) so you can see him/her.
they will them be busy checking and cleaning baby up, it's very quick but they must focus so if you are ignored for a minute or two again don't panic, they are just making sure baby is ok!

you will see your baby close up and able to kiss baby asap - holding too if you are up for it - remember you are still being stitched up and might feel dizzy or weak or whatever. it's all ok.

first night no walking or getting out of bed, but you will be encouraged the next day. hope this answers your questions.

good luck for tomorrow, I'll be thinking of you.
drop a line if you can!

big hugs

[Showy]

My CS were both emergencies so no chance for a pre-op but I suspect it will be similar to any other pre-op and won't involve any kind of examination. They'll fully detail everything, give you all risks, plans for discharge, procedures such as surgical stockings/blood thinners. Probably blood pressure, height and weight, possibly bloods. Info about anaesthetic, medical history, dental history etc. They should answer any questions and make sure you're completely clear on what will happen.

[GoodZingWenceslass]

ok, I'm so stupid, I misread your question!

pre- op is easy, blood sample possibly, swabs from your nose, mouth and bikini line definitely and some Q&A.

only external exam, checking baby's position and if engaged.

should be straightforward, no fiddling needed!

[Showy]

You can do your own swabs from the bikini line btw! Just in case you're worried about it.

[Lottiedoubtie]

Def no internal, I remember I stressed about the same thing. (My DS is only 3 months old so experience is recent). They will probably want you to do an mrsa swab on your groin, but crucially you can do this yourself and probably ask to be alone in the room if it helps. They/you will also want to swab your nose for the same thing.

There are blood tests too, apart from that it's all form filling and questions.

[VainVulva]

Thanks a million, I don't know why I'm nervous about internals, I think it's dos the last one was when I was having a miscarriage!

[Lottiedoubtie]

You're allowed to be nervous, don't worry about it

Good luck for your csection, I was terrified but it's over very quickly and the baby is a brilliant distraction!

[EstRusMum]

I have my pre op tomorrow as well. And my section is on Friday. Are we gonna have our babies on the same day?

[VainVulva]

EstRusMum I'm having my section on Tuesday morn, can't wait but also getting so nervous!

[Showy]

Please don't feel nervous. A CS is weird. That's all. Not scary, not traumatic, just weird. Have you thought about any preferences you might have for the actual surgery? You still have choices with regards to screens being lowered and skin to skin. With my second, DH watched the whole operation, ds was given straight to me and it was all done very quietly and respectfully. It was a joyful, positive, wonderful experience.

If you have a single question about any of it, do ask.

[EstRusMum]

Wait, this Tuesday? 30th? If yes, then I'm
I can't wait for mine. I am half comatose right now, sleeping while walking. Waiting for it to end.