To ask if anyone has successfully requested to observe their c section?

[022828MAN]

I am due to have an elective c section in a little over a month and I would like to request for the blue sheet to be taken down, as long as everything is going to plan.
I work in medicine and have observed several c sections as part of my training, and I'm not at all squeamish.

My last DC was an emergency section and I don't plan to have more children. I would like to feel like an active participant in the birth, rather then simply lying there and then handed my child.

I was just wondering whether anyone knows whether this is possible or probable?

Ooh I'd have loved that! Didn't occur to me to ask though.

My guess is they'd say no but I don't actually know.

I have no idea but no harm in asking. A friend of mine who had a c section told me she was able to watch her section in the reflection of the silver colour overhead light.

I did, we both found it amazing neither of us is squeamish

I would love a video of my csection! Next time I’m asking.

Good luck x

I was asked if I would like the screen down When my twins were delivered. I’m squeamish there was no way I was going to watch.

@purplecorkheart I was able to do this 21 years ago. Emergency C section, I already had an epidural, I was able to watch it all in the reflection from the overhead operating lights. It was a little out of focus and a really weird feeling but not at all gory or screaming for me.

*squeamish not screaming!

Yes this is a thing - it’s something we discussed when my first was breech and transverse and didn’t look like he was going to move. There was a particular consultant at my hosp who was very on board with the movement of gentle sections.

I’d definitely ask, why shouldn’t you be allowed to observe something happening to your own body?

I had a camera up my bum and they showed me on the screen, why shouldn’t you witness your child being born into the world ! (Not during labour but you get my gist!)

I could see it reflected in the lights too. Just ask. If you're medical they are hopefully more likely to agree.

I am squeamish and didn't wish to observe my cs but managed to see all of it reflected in a shiny metal ceiling light! Good luck op!

I observed my son being born. The drapes were dropped after the incision was made but before he was pulled out. We then had a couple of minutes watching him being held above my tummy while the cord finished pulsating before it was cut. The drapes didn't go back up until the baby had been handed to me.

I'm not sure they would let you watch the actual incision happening. It's one thing not being squeamish when you're observing someone else's operation. Another thing entirely when it's your body on the table. Worth asking though!

No, because I've never had one. When I was pregnant I thought I would want to do this if I did have one, and I asked about it, but I was told it was never allowed. But then I did have my DC over 20 years ago - maybe things have changed.

I didn't think about asking. DH said he 'glanced' and looked quickly away!

I doubt it.

The thing is if things go wrong you don’t want to see that.

I had an EMCS which was absolutely textbook. Until they couldn’t stop bleeding. Then is was very scary and much hushed whispering and asking for help. If I’d been observing I think that would’ve been quite scary.

They do lower it though if you ask when they left the baby out.

I had an emergency c section 4 months ago and was asked if I would like the screen up or down. I said up though as I am the opposite and extremely squeamish!

I asked for a clear sheet instead of a blue one and they said that it wasn’t in line with the trusts guidelines. Maybe yours will say it’s fine and if you have medical training, they may be more willing.

I think my paramedic friend observed her section a few weeks ago.

I asked for this (baby born seven weeks ago) but they wouldn't let the drapes go down except for when she was pulled out

During my c section, there was a mirrored door parallel to me/the bed when I turned to look at my husband I realised I could actually see everything! It may just be possible.

I never had a c-section but I had this on my birth plan should I have needed one. No one commented on it so it seemed like it would have been fine!

Ah thanks for all the replies. They give me hope that it'll be considered. I'm going in for a pre op 2 days before so I'll request it then, but yes - it's happening to my body so I don't see why I shouldn't be given the option. If it was a vaginal birth I could have a mirror to watch that. Thanks all!

I saw my emergency one in the lights - also the epidural didn't have time to kick in so I got to feel it as well - this is I do not recommend!

I had pretty much @Montsamio’s experience at the Homerton in London. It was wild. And yes, as pps have said, long before they dropped the drapes, I had an excellent view via the overhead light.

I requested this for all 4 of my c sections but I wasn’t allowed due to infection control (I’m abroad fwiw). My husband could see as he was s5anding although he was my end..

Yes, it’s possible OP.