Terrified of c-section

[Bibiboo]

First timer here - due in 3 weeks and am terrified of having to have a c-section. I'm a total wuss (cry and faint when blood is taken) and know I could not cope with being awake while someone cut me open. Even seeing operating theatres on tv leaves me cold sometimes. When I think about it I get all panicky but know if I wanted to be put asleep for proceedure (should I have to have it) dh couldn't be there for the birth and I'd like one of us to be there (awake!)
There's nothing to suggest I might have to have one, but don't know what I'll do or how I'll cope if it comes to that during labour.
Just some sympathy and kind words wanted from MNers please

Thanks

BBB, being frightened of surgery is TOTALLY NORMAL. I had a planned CS 9 days ago and I was still peeing my pants the night before thinking about it!

However, unlikely thought it is to happen, being forearmed is very empowering. Do you have a birth plan? You could, if you wanted, always include a wee section 'in the event of a CS' and write in what you would like to happen. Don't forget to have it written down that you are frightened too. I did in mine and the theatre staff were wonderful - holding my hand, explaining absolutely everything.

I can reassure you that the spinal anaesthetic blocks ALL of your pain and they test you vigorously before they open you up.

My story (in quite some detail ) is in the birth announcements if that's any help.

I have no experience of a conventional birth, but it seems the more relaxed you are, the less likely you are to need intervention. So maybe find out what a CS involves, include your wishes in the birth plan - then FORGET about it, and focus on your birth

Whatever happens, when you get your wee bundle in your arms - it's all worth it. If you do feel traumatised, don't forget to talk, talk, talk, to anyone who'll listen!

Best of luck xxxxxx

I had an emergency c section.It was fine I was awake if abit knackered!
I am a nurse and have seen them performed and i can say that you are rather sore after!
Please do not worry though as you can be up and about pdq.
Just ask for a tummy tuck at the same time!

Absolutley enjoyed mine. I love lying awake and thinking about it still, 7 weeks on!!!! Have to say I was SCARED when I knew I had to have one. Had a normal first birth and thought section would be disappointing as so many people say it is. It was brill - amazing and no pain. Thought pain after was considerably less than after my normal birth and you get lots more fuss! Good luck! xx

Bibiboo - the feelings you are having are absolutely normal. Be reassured that if a C/S was needed (which is unlikely), you would have a midwife with you explaining everything as you went along. If you needed a C/S while in labour, you would not have the time to dwell on it as you do now. Can I tell you that operations on TV, even caesareans look far worse than in real life and even I don't like to watch them!!
You would be reassured by the staff caring for you and the anaesthetist would ensure that you were pain free.
Tuck the thought into the back of your mind and concentrate on having a normal labour. That is the more usual way of giving birth

Bibiboo fisrt birth - did not want any intervention and definitely did not want a caesarean - ended up with a caesar 2 weeks early after going to hospital for a scan. THe medical staff were lovely - midwife explained what was going on and why it is important for my daughter to be born that day.

I am sure I went into some other planet - in that I was aware of what was going on but had a real calm about it - realised that it was what was best for my daughter and that I would be seeing her very soon. the operation itself took a lot less time than I thought as did the recovery. As others have said - you don't see anything. Dh and I chatted with the theatre staff ( we had some extras in there for other reasons) and except that I was having surgery I could have been anywhere chatting with friends.
I was up and about the next day.

If I could I would have another one with babe no2 but circumstances are different and I need to have a VBAC - which makes me more nervous than the thought of another caesar. SHould I have to have one - so be it. I long ago gave up worrying that I did not have a 'natural' birth - I knew this is what it took for my babe to arrive in the best possible condition.

I had one too. I had been petrified at the thought that I might need one for a lot of my last trimester. I wish that I had 1) read more about it and 2) not worried so much! It really wasn't bad at all. Like the other mums have said, at the end of the day you do what is best for the baby (and you) and you really don't fret about it. Mine was an emergency but if I had another child I would schedule an elective without batting an eye. My only regret is that this one wasn't scheduled beforehand.

Bibiboo, do you mind if I hijack your threa

I too am absolutely petrified of having a c-section (am nearly 35 weeks pg). Baby is breech atm, has been for at least 5 weeks and even though eveyone keeps saying that he has time to move, its not making me feel any better and I think he is far too comfy.

I am worried I will need a section as I am also scared of giving birth to a breech baby. DD was born at 36 weeks and so if I go early again, they will nearly certainly have to section me.

I have read all the comments below and I want them to reassure me, but I don't feel reassured and want to cry at the thought of it. I have needles and I don't think I could cope with an epidural being put in. And do you need to have a catheter (sp) ? And the fact that they put a screen up so I can't see anything makes me feel worse. And I have heard stories of women who felt everything cos the epidural didn't work. Sorry, am feeling sorry for myself.

Mum2Ela

I posted on this thread earlier so please feel free to read.

The injection was something that I felt very nervous about, Going from memory they first used a cream anesthetic (called magic cream in the childrens ward), then a small needle as a local anesthetic, then the epidural so you cannot feel anything. It's also impossible to see as they are working on the middle of your back. This is all done in the operating theatre.

To test they have this wierd liquid that feels absolutely freezing when squirted on you - they squirt some on your arm or similar so you know what it should feel like, then squirt your tummy & legs so you know you cannot feel anything before the op,

They did put up a screen, but my tummy was so huge that I couldn't have seen anything anyway, they make the incision below the bikini line so you could still wear a bikini later if you wished !!!

On the other hand, I could see some of the op in the metal casing on the ceiling, but slightly distorted so it also looked like it was happening to someone else.

I guess from your name that you already have a dd, just think how easy it will be to organise looking after her, no phone calls and mad dashes in the middle of the night.

I loved the whole experience and if I wanted another child would do the same again.

Debbie

I had to have emergency c-section after planning home birth. I was just like you - TERRIFIED !!!

However during labour and by the time it got to that stage - I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO grateful as it meant the pain would stop. The feeling when that epidural took effect was like the answer to all my dreams!!! So it is not all bad............

I could not see any blood or anything - it was fine. And it was over so quickly. Even when they were stitching me up - it felt a bit funny. But I was just so grateful to have a healthy baby.

My DP did FAINT though - when they were trying to put the epidural needle in - a good thing he didn't see the op!! - and he had to be taken to casualty. It is a great dinner party story.

i was terrified too with both my sections. with my first i sat on the bed and cried but everyone was lovely to me. they had the radio on in the theatre and there was a really nice atmosphere. they put an ice cube tray on my stomach to test me! i couldnt feel anything below the waist and just a tugging below my ribs. the second was slightly different in that i was having contractions and was so relieved that the pain was going to go away. the anesthetic went higher up so i couldnt even feel the tugging. they tested me with a spray for that one. i didnt want a section either time but the surgery itself wasnt unpleasant and neither was the needle, it didnt hurt...just felt a bit strange thats all. both times they didnt tell me when they were going to start so you dont get that horrible anticipation...you think they are still preparing you and then suddenly someone will say "oh they started a couple of minutes ago". you know then that you'll be ok with it. all through you can chat and ask questions/talk to your partner etc. hope this is a little reassuring...i am really icky about blood or any kind of surgery but im not lying when i say im more scared of the dentist so it cant be all that bad i guess!

Had an emergency section with my third baby - he was coming out foot first. It was so simple and straightforward - mnever felt out of control or frightened. Had him on Fri lunchtime, out on Monday morning and driving (but don't tell the midwife) on Wednesday. The best bit of advice I got was put a cushion over your tummy when you sit up, laugh or cough. And make sure that everyone knows a c section means you can't iron for ages...
Only problem was dh thinking he looked like George Clooney (in ER) in scrubs, If only.

Bibioo, I completely understand your concerns. I felt very much the same way when I was pregnant with DS. I ended up with a C-section after an induced labour. By the time I had the epidural I had been having contractions for hours and I really could not have cared less about the needle. I normally get woozy just getting a jab! When they suggested the C-section I cried a little bit and rang my Mom to cry a bit more, but by then I was so ready to have the baby that I wasn't really afraid and the doctors and midwives were so caring and supportive. I just took a deep breath and focussed on DH while they did the procedure. That is, until I heard a squeaky little cry and saw DS for the first time. Then all I could think about was him. It was all very quick and painless.

Recovery was quick and the scar is so low I could wear a bikini. Chances are you won't need a section but if you do I'm sure you'll be fine. It is scary but by then you'll just want to see your baby.

I had a long labour for ds1 and then an emergency c-section under general anaesthetic. There was a risk with my second that if I went for another natural I would end up with another GA (long story) so I opted for a c-section with epidural. It was a wonderful experience (especially in comparison to my first labour/section). Felt nothing, not even the rummaging about. I met ds2 seconds after he was born. I met ds1 about 4 hours after he was born.
Please don't worry about it. Believe me, once you are on the brink of meeting your baby, meeting them will be all you will be able to think about!

mum2ela and bibiboo

really I am a big wuss when it comes to pain and needles and so on BUT I was surprised how well I coped having my caesar with dd.

IF you are having a straightforward caesar in that you did not have the epidural for labour and then it is topped up - you will not have a catheter - it will just be injected in. They then made very sure all was numb before anything proceded. They sprayed me with icy water - on my arm first so I knew what it felt like and then on my legs up to my chest... as I was uncertain at one stage - they checked again.

You are then tilted a little bit so it kinda makes it hard to try and see over the screen. I just concentrated on dh who was sitting on a stool next to me and we were face to face - in terms of level. The surgical staff were brilliant, I also had other staff there - paed and specialists due to dd's heart condition - neonatal nurse came and chatted. It was a little bizarre - here I am having surgery and we are all chatting about normal everyday stuff - before I knew it - 4 minutes from when they started dd was born - so the focus shifts to her and so on. Dh was able to have a cuddle, I was able to see her but she had to then go to ICU - normally you are then given your babe - once delivered and like I said you focus on them while they are stitching you up.

From someone who has never been in hospital before and never had anything very serious wrong with them - I really was surprised how well it went and how I coped with all the things I did not want. Especially after being told there was no reason why I could not have dd vaginally!!!

After stitching me up they gave me a painkiller and sent me off to recovery. Was wheeled down to see dd later in the afternoon and was up and about albeit a bit tender the next day. The scar is right down near your pubic bone - so no scar showing over bikini bottoms ( like I wear those ) They offer you all sorts of pain relief post surgery - take it if you need it. I did not have mich - just some at night to help me sleep... My tummy was tender but not painful... figured it was easier to listen to my body and not over do it.

I guess too for me - she had to be born that day and so I realised that no matter what I wanted in terms of delivery - I wanted to see my babe and what was best for her - whatever that may be.

If you want to ask me anything else - feel free to CAT me.

Well, as some of you will know, I ended up having my emergency c-section, and no, it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be.
Not the ideal situation, but when it came down to it, nothing was scarier than the thought of my baby being in danger, so for anyone else out there feeling the same way, chill. It happens, and there is great support and advice to be had on MN.

bibiboo, sorry havent read your announcment thread if you have one but im glad it wasnt like you feared. congratulations! (must go look for it now)

What can I add? I was always terrified at the thought of having a c section, especially under epidural but when I needed to have one as an emergency it was fine. In fact, by that point I was in such pain that I couldn't wait to have the epidural despite having always thought that I would be too squeamish/afraid to have something stuck into my spine. The op itself was fine and I would reassure anyone that it will be okay.