To ask what a c section is like?

[thefutureisfemale]

Hi x

I am a FTM and booked in to have an elective c section at 39 weeks. I am really scared. Can anyone tell me what it's like?

Mine was a planned one at 39 weeks and was fine. I was nervous getting spinal block, I had one with my first baby in active labour for a ventouse delivery but when you are contracting the needle means nothing.
I did however react to the spinal for the section, which is apparently quite common but no one told me, they had to give me some oxygen. The actual section was weird but not uncomfortable and I recovered better after the section than I did with an episiotomy with my first. I had my baby on a Wednesday and following Tuesday we were out and about in Ikea 😃

Oh and my milk came within 24 hours of delivery. No problems with establishing BF - with the vaginal delivery we struggled as we couldn't do skin to skin, I was in theatre away from DC1 for about 2 hours. With DC2 he was with me all the time.

I had a cat 1. No time to check if I was numb from epidural top up. Lots of tugging. Some sharp scratches that made me wince but not painful. Good luck

Not that scary, honest! You will change into hospital gown and have the cannula in. You walk into the operating theatre and hop onto the bed rather than be wheeled in, which I found odd! They ask you to sit on the bed and flump over a pillow for the spinal block. I had one needle to numb the area, and then the block. It is odd feeling the sensation start to melt away! They will check you can't feel anything and reassure you. They put the catheter in and you don't feel it. There will be a lot of people in the theatre, and they'll all probably introduce themselves to you. Anything you're not sure about, ask the anaethnatist who will be nearby monitoring you - they will be able to explain all the odd sounds of the monitoring machines.

The surgery itself is fine, you feel tugging and rummaging, but nothing painful. It takes about 10 mins to get the baby out, then another 50 mins to stitch you back up. I kept asking for time checks! If all is well with baby you or your partner can hold once they're checked over. I felt really shaky with the anaesthetic so didn't at the time, but DP sat by me holding her.

Recovery was fine, I was up and about with the catheter out 12 hours later (remember having really bad trapped wind and apparently it's normal), discharged the next evening, had to hold my stomach when coughing or laughing for a week, was able to walk about round the park after two weeks, and got clearance from my doctor to drive after three. Scar healed pretty quickly too and has just left a thin line at the top of my bikini region.

I'm having another DC early next year and will be having another caesarean, so they're not that bad! Writing this all out was good to jog my memory actually.

The worst bit for me - and I thought about not saying this, but I think it's worth mentioning - before the operation they read you the long list of things that can go wrong so you can give informed consent. I lost the plot and sobbed when they mentioned the very, very minor possibility of death. However I'll be going into it this time around reminding myself that it's a routine procedure and giving birth is risky too.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

I've had two one EMCS one ELCS.
The planned one was great (and so was the EMCS tbh)
I went to the ward at 7am. You have to fast from the night before but they will give you all the info on that before hand.
Signed a few forms, various people came to speak to me, midwife,surgeon,anesthesiologist and some others.
Then DH was given scrubs and a gown for me. Was taken down to surgery, it was all very chatty and relaxed.
Had a line put in my hand and then the spinal. DH was sat on a chair nearby and the midwife was there too. Lots of people milling around. (more so because I was donating placenta etc as well) you could choose music too if you wanted.
Then once the spinal is in you are laid down and they put up the screen bit and sort out your drip etc. You are not really aware of that though tbh. DH and I were discussing the floor tiles at one point haha it was very relaxed.
Be warned I could see pretty much everything in the reflection of the light about my head so don't look if you don't want to! Also be prepared that your OH can see your insides if they look past the screen!

It was a bit uncomfortable getting the baby out, they put pressure on your tummy and kind of wiggle you, it felt a bit like being winded.
Baby out after about ten mins since the spinal went in, they lifted him up and then DH went with him to get weighed and cleaned up a bit. They put him on my chest for skin to skin while I was sewn up, then one you have been moved onto a bed he was tucked in next to me.
In the recovery ward for about 30mins were he latched on but was very sleepy. All fine so we were moved to the ward.
DH stayed for a few hours then went home. I think that depends on your hospital but at ours partners can stay until 10pm.
Recovery was fine, up and about once the spinal wore off and you can have a shower etc. I ended with my catheter in for an extra day as it took a while for the sensations to come back properly. I could still walk about though so it was ok.
Home after two days, keep on top of your painkillers but I was fine after a few dats and back to normal after about 10 days.

Good luck, I loved mine, can't wait to have another baby and do it again!

I had an emergency section due to failure to progress. The actual section was fine, very quick and painless. Afterwards was more challenging. Getting out of bed can be painful for a week or so, but take all the painkillers offered to you and it'll be fine. Nice big comfy pants are essential, and loose fitting pyjamas or jogging botoms. You don't want anything that is tight or sitting on your hips, up round your belly button is the way to go! Remember that you'll still bleed heavily afterwards (I didn't realise this and thought it was only after a vaginal delivery that you bleed) so pack plenty of heavy pads.

A planned c-section is much better than a traumatic 'natural' birth. I had 4th degree tear, forceps, shoulder dystopia, pph with my first. Took me months (actually years as I still have pain & have had 2 corrective surgeries) to feel 'normal' again. Planned c-section with my second and it was so much easier, you aren't tired from labour, it's not rushed or an emergency. Yep it is uncomfortable and pain relief is required but if it's medically advised for you then I would definitely take the planned c-section option.

I think elective will hopefully be a lot calmer.

I had a c-section as Labour didn't progress (so called emergency but not a rush so more like planned I think).

I was nervous I would feel them cut me but as soon as I realised I was numb it was fine. I felt pressure but definitely not pain.

Baby was out within 5 mins and maybe 10 mins to stitch up.

Annoying having a catheter afterwards but only for 12 hours or so. Couldn't lift baby while catheter was in as I would have to remain in bed and couldn't lift at that angle (I could have him passed to me and hold him lots though).

24 hours later I felt a million times better. And 48 hours after that I went for coffee with friends (This was a bit much and when I got home I was shattered, so even when u feel better take it easy I was just too excited to show off gorgeous baby). 4 weeks till I felt my normal self but was prob 70% there for most of that time.

So actual procedure for me was much easier than first dd labour (and I didn't feel normal for a week or two after that either!) Take it easy when recovering and hopefully won't take too long. X

I loved mine! After two natural births I felt I'd been let off the hook having to have a section.

Had my emcs at 40+12 after 36 hours in labour. It was blissful although by then I was totally off my face

I recovered really well. Doing exercise classes 16 days after, driving after 3 weeks.

I distinctly remember saying to the anaethsetist afterwards, "Thank you for the lovely drugs!"

Mine was an emergency one and honestly it wasn't bad. Obviously I was scared because of the urgency to get DS out but the procedure itself was fine and I would have one again. Don't be surprised, you will notice pressure. I knew exactly where the doctor was making the incision for example. But you won't feel pain. I was on quite a bit of pain relief in the hospital and only took co codamol at home as and when required. My scar is neat and faded nicely. I occasionally feel a little bit of discomfort in the scar are if I have overdone it, like exercise.

I mean you won't be in pain during the surgery. Afterwards is another story but everyone is different.

Mine was planned at about 39 weeks. It was my second baby, and I had an awful forceps delivery with the first.

I won't lie, it was scary walking into the theatre and I felt like turning around and leaving. The thought of a 'natural' birth made me stay there!

The worst bit was inserting the epidural, and it really wasn't that bad, just like a little injection, and was over in a few seconds. After that, no pain at all. When they were doing the operation I could feel pressure on my abdomen, but no pain at all. It took longer than I thought, about an hour.

We were taken to a recovery room and stayed there for 24 hours. I felt wonderful (I think they gave me morphine!) and wanted to get up! I got up the next day and had half a shower, just the bottom half, as it was uncomfortable to raise my arms too much. Pain relief was excellent. I had voltarol suppositories, which were not nearly as bad as they sound, and then codydramol. They gave me the option of removing the dressing myself a few days later, which I did. I was in hospital for five days, and felt pretty good when I left, just a little tired and tender, but not in pain.

I recovered much more quickly from the c-section than from the forceps birth. I would say there's nothing to be scared of. It was a good experience overall.

I had an ELCS due to a high risk pregnancy, the delivery was really relaxed and I recovered well.

If I had my time again I would have looked at options to having DH stay overnight. The delivery was at 2pm, I had a spinal block and catheter, I couldn't move for 12 hours and DH had to leave the ward at 8pm. The ward was short staffed and when DS cried I struggled to lift him from cot. I managed but it would have been great to have help.

The best advice I received was to remain on top of pain medication, whether you feel you need it or not. I did exactly that and I recovered really quick.

The worst bit for me - and I thought about not saying this, but I think it's worth mentioning - before the operation they read you the long list of things that can go wrong so you can give informed consent

This annoys me and was on the news recently. All risks are spelt out to you before a section - for example, there is a 1 in a million chance of being paralysed by the epidural. But nobody informs you of the risks of a vaginal birth. My risk of double incontinence with a second vaginal delivery would have been 1 in 4, and that was the best case scenario.

First was an emergency as baby was stuck and distressed . Epidural didn't work , not uncommon I believe , 2 Drs were unable to to get the spinal block in , consultant called and she did it otherwise it was to be a general .No pain and very quick to recover . 2 paracetamol but probably didn't need them , up and about 12 hours later . Easily driving by 4 weeks with no problems .

Second elective and again problems getting the block in - but they were aware it might be an issue from previously .
About a week into recovery I had pain on the wound and failing to heal . It was infected , I had antibiotics and the infection was lanced to release the build up . They had started to use a new type of stitch material and I was the second person to have the problem apparently .
Healed well .
The only problem was not being able to have a lively toddler bounce on me after the second section !

You are bang on, Elvira. I also had a section due to a birth injury, and although the obstetrician was very quick to explain the risks of c section, the risks of another vaginal birth were completely dismissed. I mentioned my fears of further pelvic floor damage/incontinence and was told that simply would not happen. Which was bollocks, obviously.

Had one electives c/s at 39 weeks. I'd compare it to tescos click and collect. I'm not particularly fit and had had a previous grim emergency c/s. Elective was fab. Walking around the ward in the evening. So civilised. And my pelvic floor is still marvellous (though that wasn't the motive behind c/s - just a fortunate consequence).

I had an elective section with dc2. It was bloody marvellous and a much easier recovery than the natural birth I had with dc1.

i had an EMCS and had no problems at all, (actually delighted as I was terrified of a VB but had been refused an ELCS ); slightly 'numb' the first couple of nights but then absolutely all OK - don't even seem to have a scar . I recovered really well. No tiredness, no discomfort.

Mine was an emergency one at 28 weeks. Went from shopping to being in theatre in the space of an hour. I was quite spaced out and in shock, so the whole thing is a blur, but didn't feel any pain. I put manuka honey on my scar and it healed well and quickly. Recovery took a while - it was 6 months before I could lift the double buggy to put it in the car, and the scar occasionally ached a bit for years, but 8 years on it's all fine .

Oh, and the day after my EMCS I did a poo, and I don't know why, but I mentioned it to the nurse. She was absolutely delighted! Apparently it's quite important and an indication that everything went well, with no complications.

Planned c section. I'm the worlds biggest wimp. It was absolutely fine. Couple of days to recover where it was sore moving between standing lying and sitting but otherwise fine

I am in the US. I was on pretty close to bedrest for the last 6 months of the pregnancy due to placenta previa and had to have an elective C-section.

I had an epidural. I didn't even feel the slight pulling that you are supposed to feel during the procedure. The catheter came out the next day and I was up and walking from that point. Pain relief was Vicodin but I hardly needed any. I got a mild burning sensation around day three for about half an hour but that was it. The surgeon did a low lying 'bikini cut' which didn't interfere with my abdomen too much and I think helped with not feeling pain afterwards.

DH was able to stay over in my room the first night. This was great as I wasn't happy about getting out of bed with a catheter still in. Fortunately it was a law that our health insurance had to pay for me to stay in hospital for four days post section, which I did although I felt pretty OK after one day.

Back driving after 11 days and was an older mum

Check that your insurance cover you tho, driving this soon - mine said not til 6 weeks...