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Original poster

Couple of C-section questions...

16 replies

HugosGoatee · 08/12/2011 13:47

I'm having an ELCS next week. The assistant midwife person went through the procedure and prep, but it was all so rushed I left feeling quite confused Confused

She seemed to say that I would have some kind of sheet covering my face, which I find a bit scary and didn't know? I thought there was just a screen blocking off the gory stuff?

Also, will I have an oxygen mask on as standard? The thought makes me a bit panicked.

In general - what are the standard things I'll be hooked up to and how many people were in the room for your c-section?

Thanks! Thanks

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SenoritaViva · 08/12/2011 13:52

Hi
I had an emergency C-Section so not really comparable but I definitely didn't have anything over my face. The screen starts quite high up though - my DH watched the surgery by standing up but wouldn't have been able to see if he'd been sitting.

I didn't have an oxygen mask either but you will have different pain relief since it is planned.

There is a LOT of people in the room, but don't worry. For me it was about 10 I think (2 x obstetricians, aneathatist, various nurses etc.)

You'll have a drip and various other bits. Honestly, it is an exciting time, don't worry too much.

VivaLeBeaver · 08/12/2011 13:56

Right at sections where I work this is what happens;

There is a small vertical drape at just below neck level to stop you seeing. It does not cover your face. No oxygen mask unless you feel a bit faint/sats go down but I've only seen that a handful of times.

There will be a couple of sticky pads on your chest monitoring pulse. A drip going into one hand with some fluids running.

2x obstetric doctors
anaethetist and assistant
scrub nurse
midwife

Good luck. I think the waiting is worse than once you're in theatre having it done.

Besom · 08/12/2011 13:59

Mine was emergency so a bit of a blur, but no, there was no sheet or mask. There was a screen thing yes.

In the room, dh, aneasthetist (sp?), midwife, mifwifery student, surgeon, some other guy, not sure who he was but he was nice as chatting to dh and seemed to have a calming effect. Don't think there was anyone else.

It was all absolutely fine from my point of view, I was just glad for dd to be out and well. You will be fine as well and probably and be up and about quite quickly. Best wishes X

NewBikeForChristmas · 08/12/2011 14:03

I have had 2 cs, although both emcs, most recent 7 weeks ago. I don't think I ever had a sheet over my face - last cs was under ga though, so I can't be sure, but can't see why I would have.

Lots of people involved in a cs - for the one I was conscious for there was:

2 x midwives
OBGY surgeon
Another obgy consultant
Paediatrician
Anaethatist
Student doc
2 x Nurses
Me
DH
.... and DS!

Best know that there are loads of people now, so you don't panic later. Good luck.

NewBikeForChristmas · 08/12/2011 14:05

Had an oxygen mask available but didn't use it first time; woke up with one on for the cs under ga.

cidrenomore · 08/12/2011 14:11

EMCS and ELCS here. No sheet covering face, or oxygen mask for me, epidural both times. Honestly can't remember screen, tho I know it was there, but definitely below my eyeline,ie waist level I suppose.
Can't remember how many people in room...DH, midwife, anaethetist(sp?), consultant but don't know who else or how long anyone stayed for.
Drip and catheter both times.
To be honest, was scared both times, but once all was underway, the baby coming out is the quickest part, and after that everything else just a bit...unimportant.
Looking forward to seeing your new baby is the best bit, till you actually meet them!

paperscissorsstonelizzardspock · 08/12/2011 14:16

hi i had an elcs a year ago and there are a lot of people but to be honest the only people you really see is the Anaethatist and your dp/dh, and then your dc and the midwife afterwards. They put a sheet up in front of your face so you can't see anything gory, but it's not on top of your face, breast line i guess. I didn't have an oxygen mask, iv etc fitted before hand and a clip on the end of your finger. i have had an emergency and an elective and the elective is very calm and goes like clockwork. to be honest the worst bit is the spinal block but it doesn't hurt just a bit uncomfortable as they numb the area before hand. the anaethatist monitors everything and remember to say of you feel a bit nausious/ light headed as they can help with that straight away. cause it was an elective i have a reasonable memory of what happened so feel free to ask anything else, all the best.

Imnotaslimjim · 08/12/2011 14:24

I had ELCS. There was a sheet at just below bust level, but nothing covering my face. I did have an oxygen mask put on half way through as the placenta refused to come away, I lost a lot of blood any my BP and SATs when through the floor. Was strange, feeling like I was going to faint while lay down. I'm sure it will all be fine, they do hundreds every year so just try and relax and enjoy your baby coming

tiredandgrumpy · 08/12/2011 14:28

Good luck op! I have had both an emcs and an elcs. Elcs I was terrified as I had to walk into the theatre myself knowing what was about to happen and it all seemed so strange. I think I was scared simply because I had too much time to think. That was the worst bit - the anaesthetist was wonderful and very focussed on looking after me throughout, he kept telling me what was happening and we laughed and joked. The op itself was fine (I had a screen pinned up about chest level btw) and I felt pretty silly to have got so worked up when it was all over. A very calm, positive experience in the end!

QTPie · 08/12/2011 14:32

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This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Original poster
HugosGoatee · 08/12/2011 16:06

Thank you all so much for replies Thanks

I must have misunderstood the woman who was trying to explain about the sheet thing, thank goodness.

I know I'll only be in there about an hour and that I'll meet baby within about 5 minutes all going well, but as lots of you have said, it's the waiting around and the build-up that'll be worst! I know that DH will be wonderful and calm and as long as I can see him and gaze at his lovely blue eyes I will be ok. They apparently do 3-4 sections every day in the theatre so the surgeons have literally done more sections than they have hot dinners Smile

I think I will probably cry when I meet baby - will this stress them out when they're trying to stitch me up?!

OP posts:
QTPie · 08/12/2011 16:10

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This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

xkatyx · 09/12/2011 11:18

Hugos, I'm in exactly same boat, I'm have a csection on 21st and your questions were what I was thinking too, so thank you for starting te thread!

I was worried about being all wired up also so it's nice to know it won't be like that.

emsyj · 10/12/2011 22:28

Congratulations on your impending birth Smile. I clicked on this as I had an emcs but don't have anything to add, enjoy meeting your new baby.

WhatSheSaid · 10/12/2011 22:35

For the waiting around beforehand - take trashy magazines - easy to read and will make the time pass quicker. I was waiting abut 3 hours before my elcs but once you are in there it all happens so quickly - was a v positive experience.

PoppadumPreach · 10/12/2011 22:46

paperscissors - i could have written your post - and had exactly the same experience with my EMCS and ELCS

if i was to have a third (which i won't) then i would have an ELCS again in a shot.

it's very, very exciting with the spinal being the only nervous moment for me too!

the moment when they show your baby - mindblowing! relax and have fun!

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