ELCS and Panic Attacks

[Lunamoon23]

Hello!

I'm booked in for a elective csection in December, first baby, I suffer terribly with anxiety over hospitals, medical intervention and procedures, which may make no sense why I've opted for a csection, but going into it knowing (within reason) what's going to be happening as opposed to the unknown with vaginal birth has helped me throughout my pregnancy and my midwife agreed it was the better option for me.

However, as my pregnancy is progressing, I'm starting to have small panics over the thought of the birth.

My question is: what happens if I have a full blown panic attack before or during the procedure??
Do you know if I'm able to have something that will calm me right down, almost sedate my but while being conscious and aware. I'm fretting so much over it. I know it'll be something I'll need to speak to the consultant about who I have met (may not be the same one on the day) but that's not until next month ... just looking for a little reassuring.

I should add : I've had therapy, tried CBT, breathing techniques, it really doesn't work on me. My anxiety was really well managed for a while (off all meds) until pregnancy happened. I'm not currently taking anything, but I'd love to be able to on the day to make me just not give a shit about the fear but be present for my baby's birth.

I never suffered from anxiety pre-pregnancy but I also went for an ELCS on the basis I didn't want the unknown risks of VB, not being in control of the situation, not getting the correct medical intervention when needed etc. I don't know if there is any mild sedation they can give you (definitely ask your consultant) but I can assure you the whole process was completely painless and over very fast, and I found it to be a very calm and positive experience - I didn't feel anything after the spinal, had some mild nausea during the procedure which the anaesthetist sorted by pushing some anti nausea meds, and then baby was in my arms before I knew it. Do ask them what happens if you have a panic attack before or during the procedure- I'm sure you won't, but worst case I assume they will put you under general anaesthetic if there is a risk to you or the baby and I think it will help you to know in advance what all the possible outcomes are.

I had an ELCS due to anxiety and also physical health problems that made it a better option. I was convinced I would have a panic attack during labour.

It was all over my notes that I was very anxious and they were so, so kind. I had someone to talk to and hold my hand and distract me during the spinal, and they definitely gave me some extra sedation because I was quite woozy and don't remember much (which is absolutely fine!).

Talk to your midwife or consultant about it and make sure they know you feel like you're going to struggle. It's so quick and calm, I highly recommend.

Generally, it would be very unusual to give anything sedative during a c-section (because of the maternal changes in physiology that happen in pregnancy and, before the baby's out, the placental transfer of drugs). If you've not been in contact with your Trust's mental health midwife then it's probably worth asking to see them. They may be able to liaise with the psychiatrists/anaesthetists to make a plan if necessary. HTH

Not the same but ahead of my first, I confided in my midwife about my increasing anxieties of not knowing what would happen when. Best thing I could have done. I had a personal tour of the entire department; even ended up at the doors of an or in case I required a section.

That same midwife saw me on postnatal about 12h after giving birth which was so nice and a lovely way for me to say thank you.

This is exactly what I want, I want to be present but also be so out of it I'm unaware of what's really going on, but still able to hold my baby 😂 not asking for much right lol?

I've never had surgery of any kind or even been admitted to hospital - I hate needles, I hate blood, it all freaks me out so much. I'm praying they can give me something to really relax me so I'm able to somewhat relax and enjoy the moment rather than feeling panicked about going into a full blown panic attack.

Did you make it clear to everyone you spoke to about your anxiety? I feel like it's something they probably hear so often, regarding nerves etc I'm worried they won't take how anxious and panicked I really am seriously.

I had a panic attack during my last elective section. 2 very high risk pregnancies which meant I was first on the table each delivery day. No issues during my first section although I was nervous.

All fine during the second section until they came to take her out and found the umbilical cord was wrapped around my baby’s neck 3 times. She was completely silent - later found out she was fine but having a good look around and taking in everything, but of course I couldn’t see that. This was at the end of a long 37 weeks where it seemed we had a new challenge with every appointment. I knew I was having a panic attack, although I’m not prone to them, I went very hot, sweating, dry mouth and feeling sick, I told the anaesthetist and he adjusted the meds and more importantly assured me that the baby was ok! Felt better right away.

The anaesthetist is right by your head talking to you the whole time. If you feel wrong let them know. X

Talk to the anaesthetist before hand. Also the nurse. They will be really nice to you and try to keep you calm. I actually did have a panic attack (my only one ever) during my second elcs. They gave me something immediately they realised I was distressed.

I am an extremely anxious person and felt faint on the way to the hospital for my ELCS but it was all so calm and everyone is so caring and reassuring. It was a lovely experience

I started having a panic attack during my csection and the anesthesiologist calmed me down and distracted me which worked. Just male them aware that you're anxious and will need support x

Tell them ! I was so anxious I couldn't manage to sit upright for the spinal and the anaesthetist let me lie down and changed the process to help me. Everyone was very kind.

I wish I had been less anxious and managed to be excited to meet my babies. But it all went smoothly and c sections were the right choice for me.

Good luck!!

I was under the care of the perinatal mental health team already, so they were well aware and I was having regular meetings with them. The lead mental health midwife came to see me before I went down for surgery, and came back once I was on the ward to check I was ok - I was very well looked after. I remember it was in my care plan that I didn't want to be told what they were doing or asked if I wanted to look, so you might want to mention that.

I would say I knew what was going on, but my memories are very patchy - like I'd taken drugs, tbh, so I assume I had something to sedate me a little. Time passed very quickly (although I think everyone feels that), and I was quite out of it and sleepy while in recovery.

The anesthetist is right next to you at your head, so you can talk to them any time and they'll reassure you. At one point I felt sick, said I felt sick, and it immediately went as they added some anti-sickness drugs. Personally I found the worst bit was sitting waiting on the ward and then walking down to surgery - I thought I would explode from nerves. But once you're in and they start the process it all happens quite quickly and they were so kind and chatty with me, it really felt very safe.

@SnapdragonToadflax I've just had my midwife appt and she is referring me to a prenatal mental health team, I have a history of depression and anxiety before pregnancy but pregnancy has seriously ramped up the anxiety for sure. She's assured me they'll work through a plan for the day with me, is that right?
Another request of mine is to have my husband stay overnight with me, she has previously requested it from the head midwife on the ward where I'll be giving birth, she replied saying that I should be referred to the prenatal team but also said that because she's had the conversation with my midwife it'll be put on my notes but won't guarantee it, it'll be only if it's available. But, my midwife said that if it's discussed with the prenatal team and put in my plan then they can't really change that, so that's reassuring. I'd genuinely rather discharge myself than be forced to stay in hospital overnight alone - I hate hospitals. And it's not standard practice where I am to allow partners to stay, which I can understand but I can't do it without him. It's not rational, I know.. but anxiety overrides that.

What sort of thing can I expect with and from the prenatal team? X