C section nerves

[Edelweiss6529]

Booked in for elective c section this Sunday (3days time) ( first time was an emergency section)

Anxiety and nerves are a bit out of control at the moment

I’m just terrified of the surgery and complications, my mind tends to go to worst case scenarios.

Just after positive stories and reassurance

I loved my elective c-section! I had a terrible first birth and this was like a spa break in comparison! I felt sick at one point (HG) and the anaesthetist sorted it in under thirty seconds. I only have positive things to say about my section, it was so much less traumatic and my eldest coped well as it was planned, we had childcare.
All the best, not long and you’ll be having new baby cuddles!

Thank you for your story. I’m really hoping it’s like that. My first was the same, horrific induction followed by emergency section. Everything just went wrong. So think it’s a bit of ptsd. Can’t wait for baby cuddles and to feel normal

I’ve had two and I was up and about less than a week after surgery. Get your right hand and put it over your left wrist and then squeeze. That is what the sensation of the operation will be like - you will be conscious that there’s a bit of rummaging around but you won’t actually feel anything. The worst bit is being stitched up afterwards as it takes (what seems) ages.

Everyone will make a fuss of you so make the most of it. It will be fine.

Did you have any debriefs or counselling post birth @Edelweiss6529 ? They made me see a midwife as a hoop to jump through for my section as my first birth was emergency forceps and they try to encourage you away from an elective. After I burst into tears they signed me off for it and diagnosed me with PTSD. They wanted me to have counselling but nhs didn’t have the resources - might be worth exploring once you’re through this if it feels needed. If I was having any more children I would definitely look into a debrief or therapy.

Sorry - just re read your OP and you’ve already had one … elective is more relaxed than an emergency so it won’t be so stressful - but you might have to wait a bit longer in case any emergencies take priority over the elective c-sect.

my firsr was emergency and the second was elective (breech baby). The real worst bit was going to the hospital on the morning and making my DH stop the car so that I could be sick on the way to hospital. NO idea where that came from.

I've had 3 sections first 2 emergency last one elective. Please don't worry too much elective sections are planned so much calmer than emergencies. They are very well prepared for everything. I also found that each section was easier recovery wise than the last, no idea why makes no sense I know lol. The worst bit about an elective is the knowing beforehand what's going to happen and the waiting to go to theatre. When I had emergency sections after long labours I was literally at the point where they could have cut my leg off to make it all stop and they have you in and baby out really quick so not much time to panic. You will be fine just remember they do sections every day, they are well prepared for them. Good luck you will soon have your baby in your arms x

Hey! It’s totally normal to be nervous for something like this but complications are rare!
I had an emergency unplanned c section 4 weeks ago (worth bearing in mind that elective is generally smoother!) and honestly found the procedure and recovery not as bad as I’d have imagined.

Take comfort in knowing you have a definite date of birth, no labour to go through and you have taken some control over an otherwise unpredictable situation. Keep up your pain meds afterwards and I would encourage you to walk around as soon as your spinal block wears off. Ask for them to play music (our baby has a birth song) and take deep breaths in for 4, out for 8 to keep you calm

best of luck!

I had an emergency C-section under general with my first. It was very traumatic. One minute I'm sitting there and the next minute a button was pressed and 20 people run into the room and rush me to theater.

The elective was so nice. It was such a calm and well planned experience. Honestly it was like night and day. Don't get me wrong I was nervous but they did their best to keep me calm. They talked me through what was happening. They showed me the baby when she was delivered. They weighed her in front of me and put her near me do I could see. It was a totally different experience. I found it so much easier to bond with my baby and feed her. I also recovered quicker because I wasn't traumatised.

ELCS completely different to an emergency section.

Mine was completely calm and relaxed and I felt safe and in control. It was a very positive experience

I was exactly like you before I had my first OP.
c section was something I wanted to avoid at all costs, but got IUGR so was unavoidable and needed to be planned.

I read so many stories online. Complications, infections, the first poo.. I thought I was preparing myself, but I just scared myself silly. so my one absolute piece of advice is don’t do that 😂

I’ve had two c sections now.

First - No infections, healed beautifully, great experience so calm and lovely. I did take a while before the soreness went away, but I 100% made it more difficult for myself, I didn’t move from the sofa when we got home. I was too scared to move around so had DH do everything. When they said to move more to heal faster, it’s so so true.

second section- less nervous and knew what to expect. Was an emergency due to waters braking and no progress. - again, calm and lovely in theatre.
no infections, was off all pain meds by day 5, felt back to normal with no soreness after a week, just numb muscles for a while.
I healed a lot faster because I got up and walked around a bit throughout the day.

If they obviously didn’t come with higher risks after each one you have, I’d have another and not be worried about it.. and I have massive health anxiety.. so if I can do it anyone can 😂

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the positive comments.

it went perfectly and baby girl is beautiful

What a great update! Congratulations OP

Congratulations on your baby girl.

How did you find it??
Would love to hear any advice you have, I have one booked for December and super nervous x

Congratulations!! So lovely to hear it went so well for you. I'm debating an elective after a very traumatic first birth so was so helpful to read your post. Hope you are recovering well xx

Congratulations on the birth of you little girl. 'm glad you had a good c section experience and that you're both well x

Honestly it was fine. I had a traumatic first birth with an emergency section so I was really dreading it and my anxiety was awful. It was very calm and the staff were just so lovely and made me feel at ease. I didn’t even know they’d started, I thought they were still prepping the skin and then I heard her crying. The most pain I experienced was the local anaesthetic before the cannula went in my hand was the worst part of it all and that’s just a sharp sting for a few seconds. Felt a bit nauseas at one point whilst they were stitching me up I just told the anesthetist and he explained as they’d given me something to release the placenta which would’ve caused it, he put some anti sickness into my canala and it was gone in 30 seconds. Felt some heaviness in my chest at one point towards the end when they were stitching, so again I mentioned it and he explained why something to do with the nerves. So he adjusted my position and again it was gone. The anaesthetist stays close to you at all times so you can communicate with them, so just tell them everything you’re feeling and they’ll sort it. Honestly do not worry, it’s a week today and I feel 10 x better already: pain probably 5/10. Just feel bruised. Pain was never unbearable, just keep on top of your pain meds and at the hospital they’ll give you morphine for the first 16 hours. I spent weeks worrying and I made myself anxious for no reason. Good luck xx

@Edelweiss6529 I'm so glad to hear you had such a good experience, especially following on from a traumatic experience the first time.
I'm a nervous wreak and I'm still weeks away and don't even have my date yet (due start of Dec) I've never been admitted to hospital or had a surgery of any kind. The thought of being awake during is triggering me (but also want to be so my DH can be present and I can see my little boy come into the world). I hate needles and I hate blood 😂 I also hate hospitals. So it's a combination of things.
Did they give you a numbing injection before the cannula then? I've brought Emla numbing cream to take with me on the day (I will make them aware I'm using it). How did you find the spinal? Can you recall how long you were in surgery for from start to finish. I keep hearing about an hour which I keep reilitarating to myself, 'it's just an hour, that's all and it's done'.
I've fully stocked up on paracetamol and Iburofen for when back at home, did they give you anything to take home with you? Any advice on how to manage pain medication that you found worked? X

So pleased for you OP!

So jealous you get all the whiffs of baby’s head. I’d have a thousand babies to smell their heads 😂

Remember to still take it easy. If you find your bleeding increases after doing something (walk, trip out, chores ect) it means you’ve done too much!

Hi sorry on the delayed reply. I don’t think you can choose to be put under general anaesthetic anyway. This is only a decision made by the doctors if necessary for safety of you and baby if something isn’t going right. Honestly I was exactly the same as you a couple of years ago before I had any type of surgery, I’ve since had ovary surgery and 2 c sections. The planned c section was just incredible, you can’t feel a thing. Yes they numbed my hand with local anaesthetic before the cannulae went in. This was probably the worst pain I felt during the whole experience, it just stings for a good 10 seconds, considering I’ve had major surgery and that was the “worst pain” I’d say that’s a good thing! The spinal was absolutely fine, again they numbed the area with LA and that was stingy
for a few seconds, i didn’t feel the next needle. Took a few seconds and I started going warm from the waist down. They laid me down within minutes I was numb. From when I led down she was born very quickly, probably within 10-15 mins. After that they are just stitching you up which takes the longest but you can’t feel (or see) anything if you choose to have the screen up. So I was just led with my baby and chatting to my husband. I had a suppository given to me called diclofanec as they finished up the surgery, this is basically a very strong anti inflammatory which lasts hours, they’ll probably ask you if you want this before you go in, if they don’t just ask but I assume they give it to everyone. After that on the ward I was given paracetamol and ibuprofen every 4 hours or so and liquid morphine every 6 hours I think. I felt minimal pain the whole time I was there. Was sent home with dihydrocodeine, about a weeks worth. I set alarms on my phone for this along with paracetamol and ibuprofen l. After a week I was fine just with the paracetamol and ibuprofen if I needed it, I’m 2 weeks post op today and I am not in pain anymore at all I just feel slightly uncomfortable at times like it’s time of the month or a bit bruised like I’ve had a tumble, or stiff from the gym. That kind of feeling. I took some paracetamol and ibuprofen into hospital just incase but I didn’t need to use my own until I got home. I also got sent home with blood thinning injections for 10 days which I had to administer myself, I don’t have a problem with needles though. Because my bmi is over 30 it’s to reduce the chance of blood clots. The main advice I can give you is just to keep on top of your pain meds at home set alarms etc. you’ll be fine, do not worry try to be positive and excited, promise you it’s not worth worrying about x

@Edelweiss6529 thank you so much for taking the time to explain it all, it's so reassuring. I've been finding I've been managing to keep my anxiety at bay mostly, I think from hearing other people's first hand experiences rather than just imagining the worst. My midwife explained about the pessary and asked if I'd be ok with it, and I said yes. She also mentioned about the liquid morphine but said they don't like to give a lot because it bungs you up. In regard to once home and taking the pain medication, did you have a system in place for taking them? I've read some people will take 2 paracetamol, then 2 ibuprofen 2 hours later, then 2 paracetamol 2 hours after that etc so they've got a constant top up. Is that something you did? And in regard to the alarms, did you even do that throughout the night? So would be woken up to take it?
Yes my midwife has mentioned the blood clot injections, not looking forward to them, going to be something I have to get my DH to do for me i think. I've heard they're quite stingy. Did you do yours in the stomach or thigh? Glad you're feeling a lot better! I've been given a rough indication that I'll probably be having mine somewhere between the 9th-11th of December. So really hoping I'm feeling much better come Christmas 🤞🏼 xxx

You’re welcome I’m happy to help xx

The midwives on the ward had no problem giving me the morphine. I kept asking for it and they were fine. They give you laxative to take home. I did my injections in my stomach roll, majority of the time I did them I didn’t even feel them, they stung once or twice but I think it’s technique.. it’s not a bad sting it’s very mild. Yes I’d set alarms in the night too but to be honest I was up with baby anyway at the alarm times so I can’t recall them ever waking me up. I would have 2 paracetamol and 1 dihydrocodeine together and then 2 hours later the ibuprofen. Then repeat. If you’re unsure ask the midwives to write out a schedule for you. Don’t think of worst case scenario it won’t happen. It’s your brain just going there. I’ve battled with it my whole life and only recently managing to think clearly. Xx

@Edelweiss6529 that's a helpful tip! I'll try and do them there too! Did you find you bruised from having to do them?

My midwife didn't or hasn't yet mentioned about them sending me home with any pain relief. She just advised to get my own paracetamol/ibuprofen as they don't give them anymore to go home with. (understandable) I'll be sure to ask for the laxative too! How did you find your first bowel movement? Were you kept in overnight and discharged the following day? And thank you, I'm definitely feeling a lot more mentally positive about it all. ❤️ xxxxx x

at your next appointment just mention dihydrocodeine. I would be very surprised if you were sent home with no proper painkillers, it’s major surgery. You shouldn’t be sent home without them so don’t let them. I was given lactulose liquid laxative. I didn’t have to ask. I would imagine all hospitals have a similar procedure. I’m guessing you are uk? I was in royal Preston. I had tiny small dot bruises from a couple of them but they’ve gone now. Yes kept overnight and discharged the next day. I had my baby at 2pm and was discharged at 1pm the following day. They really looked after me. I was up 8 hours after surgery having a shower and making cups of tea xx

@Edelweiss6529 I've just made a note of it and I'll be sure to mention it to my midwife at my next appt. Along with the laxative just to be sure! Yes in the UK! Oh that's not bad at all - I'm hoping they won't discharge me too late in the day the following day, will be egar to get home and settled. Although not looking forward to the car journey home with pot holes everywhere 😂
Did you go home with a dressing on it? Or did they remove that prior to discharge? Did your partner stay with you overnight too, in the hospital? Thankfully my DH will have a month off work so will be on hand to help me while I recover. But I'm terrible at 'just resting' im a doer 😂 did you have the sleep sitting up too once home? I've got a scan tomorrow morning which I'm looking forward too, intrigued to see little man again as haven't since the 20 week scan! It's a scan to check of my placenta has moved as was low lying at my 20 week scan. Also got my flu and RSV jab tomorrow too, which I'm less looking forward too as I already feel a little under the weather with a slight cold. X

You’re exactly like me I can’t sit still need to be up and cleaning! My hubby has also been around to help which was amazing! He didn’t stay overnight as we have a 2year old so he had to get home to pick him up from nanna and granddads for bedtime. To be honest I was greatful for the peace and I was very content on my own, the staff were lovely and the ward was peaceful. There was only 2 others in my bay and really nice ladies. I enjoyed having her all to myself for the first night and it genuinely felt like a break away from my demanding toddler! First 3 nights at home I propped myself up on like 4 pillows, I definitely managed to sleep though as was wiped out with recovery and feeding a new born, yes sent home with waterproof dressing on, they’ll arrange for the midwife to come out to your home on around day 5-7 to remove the dressing and examine your scar. Mine is so neat, they went through same one it literally looks hardly different just a bit red. Ahhh good luck with the scan! I got my flu but didn’t get the RSV I hadn’t heard of it nobody mentioned it to me I only found out about it at 38 weeks and was due my section the week after so chose not to bother with it being so close to due date and a new vaccine. Definitely would have got it earlier if I’d known xx