Multiple C Sections

[ProfessorPickles]

I had an EMCS when DS was born, the kind where they have 30 minutes or so to get them out so it was quite a stressful experience leading up to it and the second I was having the operation was when things calmed and it ended up being an enjoyable experience.

I was told I would be able to deliver naturally in future but my experience before the c section has made me scared of natural delivery and I feel like I might opt for a c section in future as I would feel safer.
It was an extremely busy time on the wards when I was in and I was basically left, which I believe is why my son went into distress as he'd been left so long and I was only 2cm.
So I feel a bit like a planned c section would make sure there wasn't a repeat of this experience. It scares me to think what could have happened if they had left me any longer.

Has anyone had multiple c sections?
How was the recovery each time?
And was there a big difference in the appearance of your stomach after each time?

I don't know about multiple c/ss, but it sounds like you could benefit from debriefing your previous birth with someone? Hospitals usually have a 'birth afterthoughts' service or similar?

I've had 2 - my first was EMCS, although not a crash one like yours (mine was failed induction) and I struggled with recovery having been in labour for 2 days and then doing too much afterwards.

My second was an ELCS and was a much better experience. Calm and planned - I knew what to expect and how much I could do afterwards. The recovery was better and overall I have no regrets. I did wait until I was 41 weeks though to see if I went into labour naturally so I could try for a VBAC but I didn't and i didn't want to be induced again so that was that.

Am now 26 weeks with no 3 so will be going for section this time too.

Oh and no difference in stomach but to be honest I had a pretty horrendous overhang from my first section so not sure it could have got much worse!

Ridemesideways - I think some sort of debriefing would help me a lot, I feel quite unsure about what exactly happened other than DS needed to get out ASAP. Do you know who I should speak to to arrange it? My GP?

Thank you for your response Kaymondo!

I'll be having my fifth section in September...two elective sections for my Ds's and two with very sad outcomes. I honestly think that my recovery has been the same, if not easier, with each subsequent section. My stomach looks fine. It has a slight overhang but it's beneath my knicker line, so you can't see it when I've got underwear on. I was out of hospital 30 hours after my last section

Hmm - I'd ring up delivery suite during office hours and someone will be able to let you know if / how you go about it Pickles. They'll need a week or two heads up so they can find your maternity notes in the records office.

I've had two Emergency sections, 3 years apart. The recovery times were similar ( although slightly longer with first due to me doing too much)
Slight overhang but nothing major.

I've had two sections. First was emergency and tummy went back relatively easily, recovery fine. I found the elcs much harder, a year later my tummy looks a mess still, overhang etc (I had a great surgeon, it's just my tummy is tired of surgery I think). Recovery from elcs was harder due to having two dc to look after so less rest.

I've had an emcs - similar to yours - which I recovered from very quickly and easily.

Three years later I had a crash section, general anasthetic etc because I had a uterine rupture. Much slower recovery, I couldn't stand up straight for 9 weeks.

I'm due to have my third c-section for this pregnancy. The first was an EMCS, the second I wanted a VBAC but they didn't want to induce me and DS2 went overdue so had a schedule section. They've advised a scheduled section for this pregnancy.

The sections themselves were fine, I made a quick recovery and my stomach is absolutely fine, the scar is hardly any different second time round, but I would just caution you to consider the associated risks of repeat sections. I've got a low lying placenta, and because of the repeat sections I've been put at high risk of placenta accreta this time round. There are other risks that increase with repeat sections too. I think these are worth putting in to the balance when you're considering this.

I had a failed induction and crash section first time and felt just like you.it was an awful experience. Second time round I had a planned section. The run up to it was much more relaxed for both me and DH. I knew everything would be fine and we planned childcare and dh' s work and my mum to come and stay etc. I went in at 39 weeks on the dot and while it was frightening to put myself on the operating table while completely well and not in labour it was the lesser of two evils. I did not have any of the awful fear or pain of labour but the spinal was a bit unpleasant. My recOvery was fine easier than first time. I was in for 2 nights and driving at 4 weeks. My stomach actually looks better. I have massaged the scar daily this time and also worn light control knickers which seems to have helped the overhang forming less. I would go for elcs over vbac again if offered the choice.