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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

C section due on Jan 5th

22 replies

Kateg1983 · 16/12/2021 07:41

Hi

Please be kind as I’m pretty sensitive about this.

I am due a c section on 5th Jan, and I am now very very concerned about the covid situation. Mostly that there won’t be staff to do it because they will either be isolating or off with it?!

The other concern is my husband who is a train driver is obviously going out to work and will be right up until the date so big concern that he will get it or have to isolate therefore not being able to be at the birth.

So these are my concerns, I don’t think I’m being irrational. I am a nurse of 10 years and know how the system works but I just wanted to see what the feeling is out there

OP posts:
pilates · 16/12/2021 07:48

I can understand your concerns but worrying is not going to change anything. In your shoes, I would avoiding big gatherings and public places over Christmas though. Good luck with your birth 💐

Chely · 16/12/2021 07:53

I had a c-section in August. I went in to labour the day before my booking so had late night surgery instead, I did have a long wait for surgery as there was a more urgent one before me. Dh was working until 3 days before, he was not asked to test for covid at all. Staffing was fine then and it was a very busy ward, I did get a private room which was lovely (only needed to wear a mask on my last day to walk down for lunch and leave). I wasn't worried about covid tbh, our eldest had it when I was 34wk pregnant and I'd been fine then.

Good luck

Knitter99 · 16/12/2021 07:57

This is the worst possible time for covid to kick off again for you, I'm sorry. I would be super anxious too.

What can you control in all of this? Do you have a back-up person who can be with you in hospital?

Apart from that, all you can do is isolate as much as possible.

Not how you wanted the last few weeks of your pregnancy to be. Its rubbish.

Original poster
Kateg1983 · 16/12/2021 07:59

Thank you, it is terrible timing

OP posts:
InTheNightWeWillWish · 16/12/2021 08:03

I had an induction at the end of November. The wards are busy at the minute, not just down to staff off with Covid but the number of women having babies. They induced me on the day they said they would. I had a bit of a delay getting to delivery but that’s about it. I know one couple who has to get diverted to a different hospital but they still got induced on the day they said.

Hospitals are busy at the minute but they are still making sure to get the women in. My community midwife was actually off with Covid for my last appointment with her and she wasn’t able to do my sweep before induction. Another community midwife covered the appointment (and was actually the one who delivered the baby) and maternity assessment allowed me to come in for the sweep. At my trust they asked me to do a PCR on admittance and another after 3 days in. DH was not asked to do one but asked to remain in his mask throughout. You can’t change your DH’s job but just ask him to be extra cautious, more frequent hand washing, wear a proper mask and try to maintain his distance as much as possible.

Highfivemum · 16/12/2021 08:09

I really feel for you as covid is a concern for us all and more especially as you are due for a C Section. Try not to worry though. It will not help in the long run. If it was me I would be limiting my time away from home. ( both you and husband) always wear masks. Other than that you cannot do anything. I am sure all will be fine for you. Best wishes.

Original poster
Kateg1983 · 16/12/2021 08:14

Thank you everyone.

It is totally out of my control.

I’m basically at home isolating with my four year old. I’ve got some decent ffp2 masks for me and my husband to wear. I’ve told him do not take this off at work especially when you are with someone. He’s being sensible because obviously he doesn’t want to risk anything.

Very frustrating, when I got pregnant in April cases were 2000 a day and I’d just had two vaccines. Things felt better but that is the nature of a pandemic. But omicron has now put a big spanner in the works for us all really and the number of cases at the moment is insane.

OP posts:
Poisinedmummy · 16/12/2021 08:26

I was the same this time last year. But there’s nothing you can do, other then wash your hands, limit your social life and wear masks, try not to worry I know it’s hard

Muchuseaschocolateteapot · 16/12/2021 08:50

Can I ask a very sensitive question? Are you having a caesarean because of a previously awful vaginal birth or is it medically necessary? If it is medically necessary you will have your caesarean but the timings may get pushed around a little because of staff issues. I guess what I’m asking is are you scared that they are going to push you into a vaginal delivery that you don’t want? I’m absolutely not judging, I think you should have whatever delivery you damn well want! If that is the case I guess you can only express your fears to your midwife or consultant?

I agree having a back up partner just in case your husband can’t be there would be a good idea?

I wish you lots of good luck and hope it all goes to plan and you have a happy, healthy baby at the end of it. X

Original poster
Kateg1983 · 16/12/2021 09:26

So my first pregnancy I ended up with forceps and had a broken coccyx for 4 months. And then my second pregnancy I lost at 18 weeks, and four weeks later had a haemorrhage followed by emergency surgery due to a septic womb. So my track record for vaginal births is not great.

OP posts:
Muchuseaschocolateteapot · 16/12/2021 10:12

You poor thing! While nothing is guaranteed I hope that you get the caesarean when you expect it but at least without a medical emergency if it does get moved around it won’t be the end of the world, you can wait a few days unless you go into labour. Do you have a sympathetic midwife/doctor?

Original poster
Kateg1983 · 16/12/2021 10:29

Yeh the team that I am under have been really good so far which is great

OP posts:
Muchuseaschocolateteapot · 16/12/2021 11:21

Then I’m sure they will make it work, no matter what the circumstances are. I’m not sure how many weeks you are but could you deliver earlier or at least let the hospital know you would be open to coming in earlier if they have availability?

Original poster
Kateg1983 · 16/12/2021 11:41

Well funnily enough, I have just spoken with my midwife to ask if they can deliver earlier. I am 37 weeks next week. She completely understood and is going to contact the consultant so I will now wait to hear

OP posts:
Seahawk80 · 17/12/2021 16:08

I'm booked in for a c section on 23rd Dec at 38+6. I feel the same, it is a worrying time. I'll let you know how I get on. We are basically self isolating now, which is rubbish with a 4 year old but will be worth it. It's especially galling that SIL who refused to be vaccinated had her baby over a week early and is now done and out of hospital just before omicron kicked off.
I just wanted to say don't be too upset if they won't bring things forward. I have been back and forth about it as baby is enormous and the midwife said the section should be bought forward but the consultants have said no as there is no medical reason. I try to focus on wanting a healthy baby and not having to worry about the baby needing special care when born. It sounds like you've had a horrible time of it with birth and it's normal to worry about anything out of your control. Needed telling that myself last night when I was awake worrying for hours!

Poisinedmummy · 17/12/2021 21:57

@Seahawk80 good luck! Same birthday as my boy! He will be one on the 23rd! Excited for you!

Original poster
Kateg1983 · 17/12/2021 22:07

@Seahawk80

I'm booked in for a c section on 23rd Dec at 38+6. I feel the same, it is a worrying time. I'll let you know how I get on. We are basically self isolating now, which is rubbish with a 4 year old but will be worth it. It's especially galling that SIL who refused to be vaccinated had her baby over a week early and is now done and out of hospital just before omicron kicked off. I just wanted to say don't be too upset if they won't bring things forward. I have been back and forth about it as baby is enormous and the midwife said the section should be bought forward but the consultants have said no as there is no medical reason. I try to focus on wanting a healthy baby and not having to worry about the baby needing special care when born. It sounds like you've had a horrible time of it with birth and it's normal to worry about anything out of your control. Needed telling that myself last night when I was awake worrying for hours!
Hiya, yes do let me know. Hope all goes ok. I’m just worried it’ll be cancelled due to staff shortages. The London ambulance service has 400 people off with it! Fml. So difficult to know what to do.
OP posts:
Soontobenewmummy · 17/12/2021 22:26

I had a planned c section just a few weeks into the first national lockdown. And honestly, it was absolutely fine. In some ways the whole hospital and ward felt a lot calmer. It was a much better experience than DC1 in non pandemic times. The consultant reassured me beforehand by explaining that maternity services are basically one of the few things they simply have to keep delivering. I hope that helps reassure you a little.

Original poster
Kateg1983 · 17/12/2021 22:36

That is true with the maternity services. It’s not like they can delay the babies.

I think it just feels a bit frantic this time because of the numbers we are seeing and how quickly this thing is spreading

OP posts:
Tigger85 · 17/12/2021 23:22

I'm booked in for a c-sec on 6th Jan, like you I do not have a good track record with vaginal births. I am worried about it getting cancelled too, I'm also GBS+ so worried about going into labour before the date or if it gets moved. Also my neighbour is starting 3 months of building work in January, then as soon as they finish we are having builders also for 3 months (garage fire caused by next door growing a cannabis farm which destroyed both garages) so will come home with our tiny baby to chaos, noise and builders all over the place for 6 months maybe longer if there are delays.

Original poster
Kateg1983 · 18/12/2021 09:19

@Tigger85

I'm booked in for a c-sec on 6th Jan, like you I do not have a good track record with vaginal births. I am worried about it getting cancelled too, I'm also GBS+ so worried about going into labour before the date or if it gets moved. Also my neighbour is starting 3 months of building work in January, then as soon as they finish we are having builders also for 3 months (garage fire caused by next door growing a cannabis farm which destroyed both garages) so will come home with our tiny baby to chaos, noise and builders all over the place for 6 months maybe longer if there are delays.
What is the thing with going into labour if gbs+?

I was told offhand the other day that I was gbs+ which was the first I heard of it!

OP posts:
Tigger85 · 18/12/2021 14:45

If your GBS+ and end up having a vaginal delivery/baby enters birth canal you need to have IV antibiotics during the labour, if that doesnt happen baby needs IV antibiotics after birth. 20-40% of women have GBS but it is one of the leading causes of life threatening infections in newborns. Hopefully you and I will have our c-secs as planned then you don't have to worry, if you do go into labour make sure you day about the GBS when you get to hospital. I found out I have it when I was pregnant with my first son, I only found out because I had a swab due to thrush that wouldn't clear up. I had the antibiotics during labour and he was fine. They put a yellow sticker on the front of my notes in that pregnancy and have written it on the front if my notes this time x

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