C section side effects

[CathyandHeathcliff]

I’m hopefully having a c section in the next four weeks. It’s being booked this week. It’s my first and I’ve chosen it due to bad anxiety about a natural birth.

I keep reading about women having a huge blood pressure drop and feeling sick/dizzy on the table. I’m really scared of passing out during, is this common?

Thanks in advance.

I’ve had 2 sections (first emergency and second planned). I felt fine first time - although I was pretty drugged up. Second time The anaesthetist said that he’d given me something which might make my blood pressure drop but that he was on it. He said I was to tell him if I felt sick or dizzy. I felt a bit sick for about 2 seconds, by the time i’d Said it he’d already sorted it. They’re so awesome at their jobs. You’ll be fine. Planned sections are great xx

The anaesthetist will be by your side the whole time and will ask how you are feeling, adjusting things if necessary, i was given anti sickness stuff through my iv. They closely monitor your blood pressure, i have quite low blood pressure all the time and i didn't pass out, i just was shakey but that was my side effect and more so due to my anxiety of it but they calm you and try to keep you relaxed. I have my second ELCS in around 10 days and I'm nervous but that is a natural feeling. You will be fine you just need to speak up if you feel sick etc

I had my section on Friday, for similar reasons to your own. I did have the blood pressure drop but didn’t pass out. The nurse and anaesthetist were watching me so closely that they noticed it before I was even fully aware of it. Instantly they had a cool compress on my head, a sick dish ready (I wretched a lot but wasn’t actually sick), drugs to stop it pumped in and they were so incredibly kind and reassuring. The whole thing was calm and kind from start to finish. Please ask if you have anymore questions. Currently stuck under my new baby and can’t move so plenty of time to answer!!

Second section (elcs) that happened to me - suddenly felt really sick - the lovely anaesthetist was right next to me plus dh and I instantly said I felt sick (I was gagging but couldn't due to the spinal block) and they popped some magical something into my iv which made me feel fantastic. After which I really enjoyed the section!

Good luck!

That did happen to me. They tipped the table so my legs were in the air and gave me oxygen. This was before the spinal had even taken properly so they obviously hadn’t started, I came round giggling (mad hysteria?!) and the section itself was absolutely fine and really calm. Did vomit in recovery though but that was because I ate too much ice cream, just stick to toast initially and don’t get over adventurous with your menu choices.

Ive had 5
Had a blood pressure drop with all of them and was given medication to counteract it which worked quickly.
Had complications with sections 2 and 4 but others were all fine. First was emcs rest elcs

I had an emergency c section 4 months ago and didn’t get the blood pressure drop but I just wanted to join others in reassuring you about how closely they monitor you. There was at least one HCP by my side at every moment and I felt very involved in the process and 100% listened to. As others have said, the whole thing felt very safe and calm.

The only thing I wasn’t expecting was getting the shakes, it was just like shivering when you’re v cold, teeth chattering etc, though I didn’t feel cold in the slightest. It was a bit odd but the anaesthetist said it’s v common side effect and nothing to worry about. I was so excited to be meeting my baby soon I didn’t give it another thought. I only mention this so you’re not worried if it happens to you.

Am excited for you! I found my c section a wonderful, magical experience and I wish you the same.

I passed out with my first but I think my long labour, exhaustion, dehydration etc all contributed to that.

With my 2nd, my blood pressure did drop considerably once the spinal was administered but the alarm went off and before I finished saying "I don't feel too good" they did something which got it to level out and then I was fine. It was an amazing experience.

Both mine were technically emergencies but whilst the first was a proper emergency the second was more of a semi elective.

The bp drop happened with my first. Between them and my second they’d changed the SOP so that the drug that they give you to stabilise your bp is given immediately rather than waiting. Checkbof they do that?

@Yarnswift I will ask, thanks, I guess I should ask the anesthetist at the pre op or on the day itself.
I’d rather they gave me the medication first, before it happens.
I’ll make it clear how anxious I feel about it.

What did the BP drop feel like to you? Was it really horrible?