ELCS in two weeks

[torbay73]

I have my date for an ELCS in two weeks and an appointment on Friday to do bloods etc.
Starting to panic a little. I know its mad as I have had 2 previous emergency sections.
Any advice or information re what will happen on day and at appointment appreciated.
Thank you.

Hi there! I am having my ELCS tomorrow, so officially petrified now. Had my bloods appointment on Monday, after having turned up for the appointment last Thursday and them turning around and saying that bloods should be done less than 7 days before your procedure! A consultant had told me that Thursday was fine, so i had a wasted trip! I'm not sure about what actually happens on the day of the op- all I know is I have to take an antacid tonight (10pm) and another 2 tablets at 7am tomorrow. I have to be at the hospital for 8am, and then I guess I'll find out where in the order I am for the CS. Gosh, I am now even more in a flap. Here's to a good's night sleep. Sorry i couldn't help any further. I'm sure someone will come along who has been through the whole procedure. S x

It will be better than your emergency sections for sure there will be quite a bit of waiting around, and checks, and if someone is in need of an emergency section you will understandably need to wait. You will wear ted stockings, and you will walk to the theatre in a delightful gown, have the spinal, and get laid flat and tilted to your left. That bit I did not like much. You will have the anaesthetist talking you through it all. Your partner will have to wait outside until you are all ready. There will be lots of people around, but they will all be calm and chatty. I am due my second ELCS in 7 weeks and am really looking forward to it. Oh, and you get your baby! enjoy!

Yes, 2 x ELCS. Both very calm, pain free procedures that actually were over too fast! The thought of it is MILES worse than actually going through it! The epidural was absolutely no more than a scratch, and getting a canula into my hand was the only uncomfortable bit. They tilt the table slightly, and it feels like you'll roll off, but you don't, obviously!
It doesn't hurt, it feels like there's someone rummaging a bit, but it's fine, and then suddenly you're a mum!
The recovery for me was fine, I was up and showered that night both times, and the key is to really take it easy and not do too much for a few weeks. Take ALL the drugs offered, regularly so you don't get breakthrough pain. That's it!
When I'm a bit fed up, I run through my two ELCS and am always happy again. Very lovely experiences! Best of luck!

Having mine in just under 3 weeks :) Good luck all, especially shoeprincess - do come back and update with your top tips :)

Blue good to know about the epidural - I swear I've been more scared about it than the actual CS!

I had a very traumatic first birth, and my ELCS was really healing. I was up quicker, home quicker, healed faster etc. it was lovely and I am very grateful for the procedure. Obviously there is pain, but if you keep on top of it then it is bearable. I would rather physical pain over psychological any day.

The spinal or epidural is a lot easier to site without contractions!

That last bit about the epidural is good to know, VQ. It took six tries when I had my EMCS last year.

It's really nice to hear positive stories. I'm leaning towards an elective this time around, but will know for sure in a few weeks.

Good luck, torbay and showprincess.

Thank you ladies. Hope everything went well showprincess.