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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

scared of c section

43 replies

mrxrsx · 23/03/2023 16:17

I’m scared for my planned c section tomorrow and the complications during/after.

i’ve never really had a major operation before. only grommets when I was 3&4 years old under ga and sedation for a filling. that’s it.

I don’t know it’s not really what the hospital or I want but under circumstances have to do it.

im so nervous

OP posts:
Original poster
mrxrsx · 23/03/2023 16:17

mrxrsx · 23/03/2023 16:17

I’m scared for my planned c section tomorrow and the complications during/after.

i’ve never really had a major operation before. only grommets when I was 3&4 years old under ga and sedation for a filling. that’s it.

I don’t know it’s not really what the hospital or I want but under circumstances have to do it.

im so nervous

anyone got tips to calm me down?

OP posts:
AlienSupaStar · 23/03/2023 16:18

I had two. You will be fine. Will you have someone with you?

Best of luck!

Pollywoddles · 23/03/2023 16:18

Don’t be nervous, I have such lovely memories of my ELCS.

It’ll be so nice and calm and you’ll meet your baby very quickly.

Is there anything in particular that’s worrying you?

TheInterceptor · 23/03/2023 16:20

I've had three - all great experiences. Very calm, professional and friendly staff. Honestly, you'll be fine. As soon as they place your baby in your arms you'll forget everything else going on. Remember, they do these day in and day out.

Bodybags · 23/03/2023 16:21

If it reassures you, I’ve had 2.

Very well managed and organised in that I knew the time it was taking place so could organise childcare.
Really calm, radio on in the corner, don’t know if it was me, but the staff seemed as excited as we were!
I felt really really well looked after.
I was home in less than 24 hours afterwards, pushing the pram through the snow 8 days later.
No complications, no issues, altogether a really positive experience.

You will be fine!

ZuckerwatterMaus · 23/03/2023 16:22

I have had 2 and it was a very calm experience. We were akin to skin in the recovery room before I knew it . Good luck x

gotmychristmasmiracle · 23/03/2023 16:22

I've never had an operation until
I had a c section, the whole operation bit was fine for me, had my partner there and everyone nice and calm, just didn't enjoy the recovery but you will get through it, if anyone offers help just take it. Hope it all goes Sewell for you Xx

Mummy2C · 23/03/2023 16:25

I've got a planned C-sec on Monday. My first was an emergency C-sec. I found the operation fine. The recovery wasn't the greatest and it's what I'm dreading next week. I've got a lot of support this time around. Last time it was during COVID lockdowns etc. Have you got support?

Original poster
mrxrsx · 23/03/2023 16:36

Pollywoddles · 23/03/2023 16:18

Don’t be nervous, I have such lovely memories of my ELCS.

It’ll be so nice and calm and you’ll meet your baby very quickly.

Is there anything in particular that’s worrying you?

just that it’s major surgery and they’re cutting me open and stiching up the uterus aswell etc

OP posts:
Original poster
mrxrsx · 23/03/2023 16:36

AlienSupaStar · 23/03/2023 16:18

I had two. You will be fine. Will you have someone with you?

Best of luck!

my mum :)

OP posts:
Original poster
mrxrsx · 23/03/2023 16:37

thanks for all the reassurance

OP posts:
ineedalifetbh · 23/03/2023 16:41

I never had surgery up until my c-section last year either. I went in for monitoring due to reduced movement (anterior placenta). I was in for a lot of monitoring, I was very paranoid and carrying a stubborn child. We were told on the day we would be having an emergency c-section, we ended up waiting 12 hours and as someone who has a lot of anxiety and panics I was surprisingly calm.

The worst part for me was the nurse trying to put the cannula into my hand, it failed 5 times - I have terrible veins. They had to get a doctor to do it. Recovery was okay from what I can remember, the only thing that stood out was intense shoulder/rib pain caused by trapped wind (???) according to the midwife… I was very confused lol.

Theamofm · 23/03/2023 16:43

Ah bless you. I understand your apprehension.

I had an emergency C section and even in rushed circumstances they were brilliant! I had all female surgeons and they were great with me. They even popped over the top to ask if it was ok to cut my tat! I was like most definitely I hate the thing 😆
Major surgery is of course daunting no matter what it is but just think about the end result! It will be so worth it. A beautiful baby to love. 🥰

WaltzingWaters · 23/03/2023 16:48

I had an emergency c section and despite disappointment at needing a section it was a lovely experience, I felt no pain, and have good memories of it.
I was achy afterwards and it took me a while to be able to walk, but I had also had 3 days in labour so I think that made matters worse as another lady in the bed opposite me also had a section after I had and was discharged before I was even able to walk to the bathroom!

good luck op and congrats on almost having your baby in your arms

Original poster
mrxrsx · 23/03/2023 16:51

ineedalifetbh · 23/03/2023 16:41

I never had surgery up until my c-section last year either. I went in for monitoring due to reduced movement (anterior placenta). I was in for a lot of monitoring, I was very paranoid and carrying a stubborn child. We were told on the day we would be having an emergency c-section, we ended up waiting 12 hours and as someone who has a lot of anxiety and panics I was surprisingly calm.

The worst part for me was the nurse trying to put the cannula into my hand, it failed 5 times - I have terrible veins. They had to get a doctor to do it. Recovery was okay from what I can remember, the only thing that stood out was intense shoulder/rib pain caused by trapped wind (???) according to the midwife… I was very confused lol.

i’m scared of the cannula too never had those and it takes me a while to get my nerves down for a needle regardless

OP posts:
Moonstarssunsky · 23/03/2023 17:19

You'll be fine!. I've had two planned sections and I was as nervous as you are I'm sure.
Don't worry about the cannula as it only feels like a normal needle going in really.

I had a spinal block and was amazed at how quickly it takes effect! ... My legs and stomach felt numb almost immediately, and whilst you don't feel pain during the Op, you might feel as if someone is 'doing the washing up in your stomach'.

It's a weird feeling but not horrible. I remember very vividly that my hands and arms were shaking so much whilst I was lying on the table, but the anesthetist said that was normal.
I wish I'd taken some music into the room but forgot all about it. The whole experience was very positive for me, and look what you get at the end of it!

A beautiful baby! Good luck and don't worry!

tigger2022 · 23/03/2023 20:12

I had an EMCS which was a bit dramatic but honestly? The recovery was fine. Hardly needed any pain relief whatsoever, it was mainly just itchy. I was actually turning pain killers down by day 3 because I didn't need them! In hindsight I actually wished I had opted for an elective afterwards and would do so in future. It's so quick too. I honestly remember lying down and thinking, what felt like immediately, "is that... a baby crying? What a strange place to bring a baby!" when of course it was my son 😂

iloveburmese3 · 23/03/2023 20:21

You'll be TOTALLY fine. They're calm and straightforward and you'll meet your baby 15 minutes after entering the room. Your baby is born 5 minutes after your spinal is in. Recovery takes 2 hours before you go to your room and this is really the time you need to relax and just go with the flow, be grateful for the drugs and cuddle your baby. Recovery post this time is totally easy. Take the pain killers and rest rest rest. Enjoy the baby bubble. I've got one also in 1 week and it's my second elected c section. X

tigger2022 · 23/03/2023 20:23

iloveburmese3 · 23/03/2023 20:21

You'll be TOTALLY fine. They're calm and straightforward and you'll meet your baby 15 minutes after entering the room. Your baby is born 5 minutes after your spinal is in. Recovery takes 2 hours before you go to your room and this is really the time you need to relax and just go with the flow, be grateful for the drugs and cuddle your baby. Recovery post this time is totally easy. Take the pain killers and rest rest rest. Enjoy the baby bubble. I've got one also in 1 week and it's my second elected c section. X

Exciting!! Good luck x

MummyJ36 · 23/03/2023 20:26

The anticipation is the worst part! I spent the week before my ELCS crying every night. On the day though everyone was so relaxed and calm and I just had to make a huge effort to keep my shit together. I warned my DH that I would likely have a “wobble” at some point and I’d need him to be prepared to calm me down! He’s a very chill guy so managed to keep me calm so I would say having a birth partner who can keep cool is very helpful. I also listened to a special c-section hypnobirthing download on repeat and it’s amazing how much of a calm state I managed to get into just listening to it and blocking everything else out.

Also, truly, honestly, once your baby is out (and they come out so quickly!) nothing else will matter. I was so so happy when my little DC was handed to me and all the staff were just lovely. I was even chatting to the theatre staff as I was wheeled out !! It was surreal but wonderful.

Franticbutterfly · 23/03/2023 20:27

I've had 3. It's not my favourite way to spend a morning, but not so awful that I wouldn't do it again (obvs). My third one was elective and very calm. It's over before you know it.

I remember the night before being a apprehensive and thinking "well the baby has to come out somehow, so not point worrying". Not saying this will help you, but I'd suggest not dwelling on it and knowing that tomorrow is your baby's birthday and how amazing is that?!

I wish you the best.

MummyJ36 · 23/03/2023 20:28

Also don’t worry about the cannula, they should give you some local beforehand and I just looked away and honestly barely felt it.

tfh · 23/03/2023 21:11

Please don't worry, it's all really quick and you won't feel a thing! All the staff will be really lovely and look after you and I find if you don't look at the needles/canula you won't feel it :) all the best.

flowagurl · 23/03/2023 21:12

Good luck!!! Did you have a job before? Imagine how uneventful it was when you went in to work for the day and that’s exactly what the doctors and nurses will be like 🥰 Just another day another dollar. You’ll smash this

BCxx · 23/03/2023 21:47

I am the biggest wimp on planet earth and had a csection as I felt this would be the lesser pain option of the two ways of giving birth. I worked myself up to the point I was absolutely petrified before it. I basically forgot there would even be a baby there as I was so focused on the operation. My advice and what helped me was:

  • Listen to maybe baby podcast episode with Anna Williamson. She talks you through hers step by step and it was exactly as mine ended up being. I listened to it the night before (for the 10th time). Ellie Taylor has also been on maybe baby and has a good csection story too.
  • watch eilidh wells csection video on YouTube. She says in it that the cannula in your hand is the sorest bit and it was so true!
  • take some music or earphones. I had my husband take it in case I got in there and panicked but I actually didn’t, it was so unbelievably fine!
  • pack some amazing sweets or something you love to eat when you get wheeled up to the ward after 🥰
If I can do it, you 100% can! I’m doing it again in a few months and this time I’m not at all worried as it was my favourite day ever! You get to meet baby sooo quickly and you stop worrying about anything else