C-section with pupps rash (advise please)

[Missguidedsmiles]

Hi People's 👋

So I'm generally freaking out now..
I'm awaiting my pre op appointment for my cesearean that's due in the next few days..

I'm terrified of needles..literal phobia thoughts and sight.. and have that horrible pupps rash that has been giving me sleepless nights for the last month due to the insane amount of itching..

As its an elective Cesearean I know the possibility of me receiving a spinal block is highly likely..and I'm guessing that just numbs you from boobs-down..

My arms are the worst hit and I'm scared of being in agony or not being able to itch them during the surgery OR accidently moving to itch them and things go tits up.

Do I ask for general anesthia or keep the traumatising thought of a spinal ?

Any lovely people/midwives can advise me please I'd really appreciate 🙏

Please don't judge me!

I work in obstetric theatres. I'm not on the anaesthetic side, so can't tell you if they can give you some drugs to help manage it. I hope they can though.

But moving your arms won't make a difference to the surgery at all. Skin to skin happens all the time, and mums need to be able to move their arms to hold baby after all! So long as you don't wriggle your arms all the way down to where the surgeons are operating you'll be fine. Moving your arms might upset the blood pressure monitor at worst. Maybe make your drips a little bit tangled. It's all good.

I had PUPPS and a c section, if I could have ripped my skin off I would, it was awful. Weirdly, the PUPPS didn't itch at all on the operating table and was completely gone within 24 hours of delivery, it stopped so quickly. I kept expecting it to itch just a tiny bit but it completely disappeared. Hopefully this is a little but of reassurance and you find the same happens to you 🙂

Sorry, forgot the needle phobia bit. We regularly see needle phobic women (and dads), and the anaesthetists and nurses are incredible at calming and getting them through it. Stick with the spinal. Having been on both sides of the drape, meeting your baby is the most incredible experience, and one you should be awake for if you can be.

Try to develop some coping strategies in the meantime. Breathing, hypnobirthing techniques (not just for labour!), a playlist to focus on. You're going to do great.

I had a spinal block for my c-section. I don't like needles either (can be difficult as a diabetic..!) and having it put in wasn't very nice, but it made the whole thing go so easily. Baby was safely born and I didn't feel a thing. Best wishes.