Elective c section

[MamaRoo25]

Hi, I am 20 weeks and I am due to have a talk with the consultant on Monday about more of delivery, I previously had a natural birth which was traumatic for me and the baby so I am choosing a c section this time. With me having the discussion with a consultant so early, I was wondering will I get my date sooner than normal? Also, has anyone any guidance and info for me on c sections, thank you xxx

I ended up having one as baby wasn't coming.
They are brutal tbf, as you literally cannot stand up straight for a few days at least. You can't twist or turn to pick up your baby either, so make sure DP is fully prepped to take on most things during your first few days of recovery.
Rest as much as you can, but at the same time, take the time to get up and move around, as it will help. I'm talking minutes.
I was up and about after a week and pretty much felt back to normal after two weeks as I rested as much as I could.
Listen to your body. People think a c section is the easy way out but it really isn't! I'm not saying that's what you're doing, as it sounds like your first labour was not fun 😭 and I understand why you want to discuss this option.
I wish you all the best 🥰🥰

Thank you, I definitely don’t think it’s an easier option physically, I was on a ward with c section recovery and the poor ladies looked in so much pain. But mentally I think it’s best decision for me where I’m at, at the minute. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. Any tips or anything that helped you? Any positives at all? Probably not if it was an emergency xxx

I’ve got a 2 year old Aswell so I’m expecting it to be a nightmare recovering lol xz

If I remember correctly, I got mine booked in quite early (choosing my baby's birthday was cool!). But if it's not at this appt, it will be at the next one. If you want it booked now, there's no harm in asking. Good luck

@letsmakethetea thank you! How many appointments do you have regarding the c section and what are they for? Thank you xx

Mine was agreed at 24 weeks but I didn't get a date until 36 weeks, which is standard around here. I didn't actually get to my section date though and ended up with an emergency section.

My experience is nothing like lockdownpregnancy and I was up and walking around like normal within 6 hours (I had to beg for the catheter come out) and discharged myself after 12. My recovery was much quicker and easier than my vaginal birth and I could pick up both DCs without issue and I could twist and turn fine as well. My biggest issue was turning over in bed - I had to sit up and twist and lie back down, no sure why as I could twist fine when upright!

I got my date after my 20 week appointment although they do warn you it can change nearer the time. I had to have one for medical needs after my first emergency one but there are definitely some positives - the main one being that (assuming all goes to plan) it is all very calm and you can plan things like childcare and people to be around to help you.
The drawbacks are that you can’t drive for 6 weeks, can’t lift anything heavier than your baby and for the first few days you’re likely to be in a lot of pain but obviously after a natural birth you can be in a lot of pain too. In terms of preparing its useful to make sure you have clothes that don’t touch your scar for a little while after (big pants and maternity leggings worked for me), also prepare the people around you that you won’t be able to do housework or lift prams etc. The first 5 days were tough but it got easier after that and I’d got my older DD to get used to not being carried all the time. I found the recovery after my elective section much better than my emergency one which is fairly common so something to keep in mind when people give you their stories

@MamaRoo25 the positives is that my lady bits are still as they were pre pregnancy 🤣 no horrid water infections and discomfort.
Plus if you book yours in, you can get everything ready before hand. The house, childcare etc. You can be fully prepared and just have a little pamper before you go in! 👍🏻

I had my date confirmed at 16 weeks, I was surprised as I thought it would be later.

@lockdownpregnancy can't stand up straight for days..... please stop exaggerating 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

@kiyaxx I'm not thank you very much!!!
I couldn't stand up straight for days after my section! Why say I'm exaggerating when you have no idea how my recovery went!
My post was about my recovery not yours!

I couldn't stand up straight for days either.... If I tried it felt like I was being torn in half.

I definitely couldn’t stand up straight for days after mine. Everyone has different experiences, it’s pretty bloody arrogant to assume everyone’s surgery and recovery was exactly like yours .

OP I hope you get it sorted, have they been supportive so far? I was determined to have a ELCS with Dc2 but I wouldn’t be given a date until 36 weeks and, as I’m a complete control freak, I found this so frustrating that I ended up having it done privately.