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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Nil by mouth c section?

11 replies

whyno · 16/08/2013 21:51

I'm booked in for a c section in a week but I'm feeling like I might well go into labour before then. In fact maybe tonight.

Feeling really anxious as was told to be nil by mouth from the night before. But what if I do go into labour and they have to do the c section early? I won't have been nil by mouth.

Really flipping out about this! Any reassurance out there?

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oscarwilde · 16/08/2013 22:04

According to wikipedia it's only an issue if you have to have a general anaesthetic and then they can do something called nasal aspiration to reduce the risk. Guidelines are fasting for 6 hrs and clear liquids for 2 hrs. Prob best not to have a heavy meal tonight but you should be fine

Original poster

whyno · 16/08/2013 22:06

Thanks so much. Was getting into a tizz about it!

OP posts:

AmandaPandtheTantrumofDoom · 16/08/2013 22:08

No problem at all.

With planned surgery, they like to do all the nice prep like fasting.

With emergency/unplanned surgery, they just get on with it. It's not like they refuse to operate on you if you have a car accident on your way back from KFC...

It's just the perfect, easiest version, against perfectly ok.

Cravingdairy · 16/08/2013 22:09

I had an EMCS and no one even asked what I'd eaten or when. Good luck!

milkysmum · 16/08/2013 22:10

When I went into Labour with my second they tried to keep me nil by mouth just because the first was emergency c section and they might need to do another. I had she sneaking me food into delivery suite!! I ended up with second emergency c section and was fine!

milkysmum · 16/08/2013 22:12

Dh not she!!!

Meglet · 16/08/2013 22:15

There was no fasting before my EMCS, I'd had a portion of chip shop chips, coke and chocolate in early labour. The op was fine, me and DS were fine, my poor bowels were not happy for a few days though.

ChunkyPickle · 16/08/2013 22:18

My VBAC midwife confirmed exactly what Oscar said when I asked about eating in labour. It's only even slightly an issue if you're going under general, and if you do then it's the anaesthetist's job to stop you inhaling your own vomit.

Damnautocorrect · 16/08/2013 22:22

I was sat eating about 3/4 hrs before my emcs so don't worry and good luck xxx

BikeRunSki · 16/08/2013 22:25

I had a ( unplanned) crash section under GA a couple of hours after sandwbiches and crisps. Granted I.was unconscious for 3 hours, but I don' t remember the food being a problem.

Steffnexis9 · 21/08/2013 11:00

I had an elcs and nil by mouth almost killed me a i have dry mouth and was so thirsty.... My sis kept giving me little sips when no one was looking as i went about 14 hours with no water!!

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