Having an elective c section in 11 days

[CathyandHeathcliff]

And I’ve been reading through the risk factor letter they made me sign. Don’t get me wrong, I know they have to, but it’s really scared me. It mentions cardiac arrest, even though it’s very rare.
Has anyone got any advice? I’m not sure what I’m wanting. Just reassurance I suppose.

I'm in a similar position and freaking out! Rational me says I fill in similar to have work done at the dentist but I do know what you mean! Hopefully somebody reassuring and knowledgable will be along shortly to make us both feel better!

Like you said, they have to cover all possible risks before they go ahead. These complications are very rare and you shouldn't worry, these specialist teams know what they are doing and are really great. I have had two c-sections and the experiences were both good and I felt well looked after. Wishing you all the best!

Well, I'm sure if they needed a consent form for a vaginal birth, it would sound pretty scary too!

I could be wrong but I thought that C sections are safer for babies, and riskier for mothers, but that long term outcomes are better for c section mothers as there is less risk of birth injury repercussions.

And there have been a lot of articles over the years about obstetricians choosing c sections over vaginal deliveries for their own children.

I’ve had two elective c-sections, both absolutely fine. They have to outline all the risks, as it classes at major surgery, but problems are very rare. And there will be a good reason for them wanting to do a c-section so assume they judge it will be better for you and for baby. It can be a little nerve-racking but my experiences were positive.

I have had four c sections. First was emergency and three elective.
They have a duty of care to tell you the things that could go wrong and you sign to say they can do what they need to in the event anything does go wrong but with an elective section it's very calm and organised.
There will be alot of people in the room with you monitoring every part of you.
My fourth section was actually the best one, procedure wise and recovery.
Try not to panic and just focus on having baby in your arms.

Why are you having a section Cathy?

@CathyandHeathcliff I have mine in around 8 days time. Please don't worry about it I'm nervous too but I just keep reminding myself that i'll be meeting baby that day. So chin up all will be well. If you want to PM me, I'll be happy to chat to you as I have my c-section first on 15th, I will let you know how I'm getting on once back on the ward.

I had an elcs with my DTs, it was brilliant. Very calm, organised and peaceful, and my recovery wasn’t too bad at all.

I've had an elective c section. It is a major op, but it's very routine and will be performed by a surgeon who does them all the time. There will be women having them before you, and after you, on the same day. Serious complications are rare and if they occur you will already be in a very controlled environment with highly trained medical staff right there.
Personally I found it much more predictable and less scary then my vaginal birth. But it's natural to be worried.

My consultant told me if she had to ask people to sign a consent form for vaginal delivery it would be 4 times longer than the c section one. (Not to say csection is safer, just that there are risks to both)

I had one, and I can say that the lead up to it was way worse than the actual thing and recovery. I was crying with fear the night before, but it was no big deal once I got in there and it was over in around 30 minutes. The recovery was also fine.

Well, I'm sure if they needed a consent form for a vaginal birth, it would sound pretty scary too!

This ^^

My elective section was a wonderful, wonderful experience. Good luck.

From reading all of these I feel good.

How are you feeling now @CathyandHeathcliff and @laurenluke2017 ? Not long until you meet your babies. Thinking of you

@Jos2004 Mine is on Wednesday, I have to say I’m very very nervous. Need to stop googling. Keep convincing myself something will go wrong. But I’m really looking forward to meeting him at last!

@Jos2004 my son was born by planned caesarean section at 10:56 today oct 15th. It was the most wonderful but overwhelming experience me and DH balled our eyes our but we had an amazing team looking after us.

Wow, congrats Lauren! That’s fantastic. Welcome to your baby.

I did some hypno birthing cds before my sections, helped me to relax. Maybe try that or some guided relaxation to help you relax.

@laurenluke2017 congratulations!!!! I am so pleased that you had a good experience and hope that you have a great few weeks getting to know your new son

All the best for tomorrow @CathyandHeathcliff - let us know how you get on 

@Jos2004 Thank you. I’m soooo scared!

Thinking of you x

@Jos2004 I am so pleased little man is gorgeous!! I am home already they said my recovery was amazing I was on my feet 5 hours post operation i just exercised when I had feeling back in my toes and legs and put the bed up and down to exercise my stomach muscles lol very pleased to be at home with little man though. Thanks everyone xx

I am so pleased for you! Enjoy your little one but make sure you rest well and don't try to do too much too soon.