Page 2 | C section - terrified!

CarrotPencil · 15/11/2024 16:23

ELCS are brilliant, very different ballgame from the horrors of emergency ones.

The anaesthetist is the one who will mainly look after you, take your photos, chat to you. Midwife for baby. Anaesthetists are a special breed, always soooooooo calming and fun and happy and yet really good at taking charge and keeping you safe. If you feel odd you simply say ‘uhhh…..’ and they give you some meds or move you or whatever to stop you feeling faint. Magic!

One thing I didn’t realise about CSs is that they have you on a tilt! Can’t remember which way but yeah. Weird!

Another thing I didn’t realise is that they use forceps. So all 3 of my babies have been forceps even though only one VB 😁

Also DD turned breech about 10 mins before I went into theatre (ouch!), they spent about 5 mins unable to find her heartbeat and then when they opened me up and saw a bum that explained it.

The main thing I was worried about was being bumped down the list and being absolutely starving all day but was first for my first section and I think second of the day for second section. Make sure you are vigilant with your pre-op stuff, are organised, no faffing around, get to the ward bang on when you’re asked to (7am) and hopefully nothing will delay you being first! And see if you can ask to be on the morning list rather than afternoon list.

eurochick · 15/11/2024 16:54

I would just add don't feel pressured to enjoy it if you don't. Just get through it.

I hate hospitals. I was terrified. Mine was something I endured rather than enjoyed. But it was over in an hour and I healed up well afterwards. And it was the safe delivery my baby (who was struggling) needed.

Destiny123 · 13/02/2025 07:04

baby2xx · 10/11/2024 10:32

I am due to get my first c section a few days, my first birth was natural and easy.

I am beyond terrified and anxious.
Does anyone have positive/realistic stories regarding c sections. I don't want any horror stories so please just points that will calm my nerves a little.
Everyone I have spoken to have said it's such a calming experience and baby is here within minutes, is this true? Do you then focus so much on baby you don't stress about them stitching you up?

How was recovery?

Obs anaesthetist. 8-9min from knife to skin and baby out. Read my previous posts I've described many times in lots of detail xx

Destiny123 · 13/02/2025 07:06

CarrotPencil · 15/11/2024 16:23

ELCS are brilliant, very different ballgame from the horrors of emergency ones.

The anaesthetist is the one who will mainly look after you, take your photos, chat to you. Midwife for baby. Anaesthetists are a special breed, always soooooooo calming and fun and happy and yet really good at taking charge and keeping you safe. If you feel odd you simply say ‘uhhh…..’ and they give you some meds or move you or whatever to stop you feeling faint. Magic!

One thing I didn’t realise about CSs is that they have you on a tilt! Can’t remember which way but yeah. Weird!

Another thing I didn’t realise is that they use forceps. So all 3 of my babies have been forceps even though only one VB 😁

Also DD turned breech about 10 mins before I went into theatre (ouch!), they spent about 5 mins unable to find her heartbeat and then when they opened me up and saw a bum that explained it.

The main thing I was worried about was being bumped down the list and being absolutely starving all day but was first for my first section and I think second of the day for second section. Make sure you are vigilant with your pre-op stuff, are organised, no faffing around, get to the ward bang on when you’re asked to (7am) and hopefully nothing will delay you being first! And see if you can ask to be on the morning list rather than afternoon list.

Left tilt. Gets bump off tummy vessels to improve mums blood pressure. Forceps aren't commonly used its only the cheeky ones who try to avoid eviction.
List order depends on clinical need eg diabetics or unwell expedited first. Nothing to do with arrival time to the ward it's predetermined. Unless 1st person turns up late

Destiny123 · 13/02/2025 07:12

Min133 · 12/11/2024 17:36

I had an emergency C-section. I was worried but felt calm, comfortable and safe throughout. It took about 20 mins but felt much quicker to me. Recovery wasn't as bad or painful as I expected. If I have another baby I would definitely choose a C-section again. All the best!

Time distortion. Ive anaestheised for 8y of sections in hmm 9 hosps. Quickest ive ever seen is 40m

Original poster

baby2xx · 13/02/2025 09:27

@Lunamoon23 thank you for asking I've just realised this post is still going lol
I was absolutely terrified but other than the little nip with the needle before spinal it was a lovely experience. Nurses said it couldn't have went any better. I did end up with an infection in the wound site which was horrific (2 courses of antibiotics, lots of tears and trips to treatment room while looking after a newborn) but other than that it was great. I would definitely get another section if we were to do it again. Thank you all for your advice xx

OP posts:

Fupoffyagrasshole · 13/02/2025 09:31

I’ve had emergency section and elective

the elective was a brilliant experience very chill! Recovery was totally fine as well.

honestly don’t worry op x

Lunamoon23 · 16/02/2025 01:09

baby2xx · 13/02/2025 09:27

@Lunamoon23 thank you for asking I've just realised this post is still going lol
I was absolutely terrified but other than the little nip with the needle before spinal it was a lovely experience. Nurses said it couldn't have went any better. I did end up with an infection in the wound site which was horrific (2 courses of antibiotics, lots of tears and trips to treatment room while looking after a newborn) but other than that it was great. I would definitely get another section if we were to do it again. Thank you all for your advice xx

Sorry I've just seen this. But so pleased to hear your experience was positive and that you'd even do it again after being so frightened. Sorry to hear you suffered an infection though and hope it's resolved now and your enjoying your newborn ❤️

Staggeredatthisadmission · 16/02/2025 01:19

baby2xx · 10/11/2024 10:32

I am due to get my first c section a few days, my first birth was natural and easy.

I am beyond terrified and anxious.
Does anyone have positive/realistic stories regarding c sections. I don't want any horror stories so please just points that will calm my nerves a little.
Everyone I have spoken to have said it's such a calming experience and baby is here within minutes, is this true? Do you then focus so much on baby you don't stress about them stitching you up?

How was recovery?

I’ve had two also, albeit it 22 and 20 years ago and I’m sure things have improved since then. I can promise you mine were amazing and absolutely fine.

First was an emergency as heart rate dropped. He was a tiny 4Lb 2oz ivf baby. Got over it super quick with zero issues and not much in the way of pain.

Second was after 20 hours of labour and only half a centimetre. Again absolutely fine and dd arrived safely. DH had to go back to work one day after I got home. I had a 2.5 year old, no family support as all deceased so I just got on with it and it was fine.

I was awake throughout both and would not have changed a thing.

Good luck OP X

Fingerscrossedfor2021HK · 16/02/2025 01:23

@baby2xx - I have had two planned sections. I was terrified before the first because it was needed due to placenta previa and I had been warned that I could bleed so badly that I would need an emergency hysterectomy. Even with that worry, the actual experience was really calm. Zero pain, even with the spinal. There was music playing in the OR (my choice) and the whole team were calm and respectful. I was able to briefly have my baby placed on my chest after both sections.

Full disclosure: I did find the stitching part a bit uncomfortable, but my first took almost an hour because of the placenta issue and my second took almost as long due to my lovely surgeon taking care to remove old scar tissue and tidy up the scar from the first section (one year after my second section and I just have a thin white line). Most friends say they didn’t really notice being stitched up.

If I had another baby (if hell freeezes over - two is quite enough for me!!!) I would absolutely have another section and I have told friends weighing up an elective that my experiences were very positive. I was up and walking within 24 hours of the first and 6 hours of the second (push for early mobilization - it made my recovery so much easier) and was shopping in town on day 4 after my second section. Admittedly, this was because my second baby was early and in the NICU so I had to go get premie clothes etc.

You will be fine I promise! Make sure to advocate for yourself - you can push to have catheter out early etc and my OB and the anesthesiologist both told me that you should never be in significant pain afterwards and that pain relief can be tailored as needed.

Plantatreetoday · 16/02/2025 01:26

Had twins by c section

After you’re gowned up ( remember to shave down there or the nurse will do it for you and then walk out with a bowl full of flying pubes 🤣)
You go into theatre
Sit on the side of the operating bed and you’re given an epidural
Lie down till it starts working and they put a screen up

Before you know it baby is out
You feel nothing
Then whilst they are weighing and checking baby and showing you your new arrival they are stitching you up
I didn’t even know I was being stitched up as I had a new baby to think about ( well two really )

Thats it
After that just make sure you have the right meds as initially it can be painful.

Plantatreetoday · 16/02/2025 01:28

Plantatreetoday · 16/02/2025 01:26

Had twins by c section

After you’re gowned up ( remember to shave down there or the nurse will do it for you and then walk out with a bowl full of flying pubes 🤣)
You go into theatre
Sit on the side of the operating bed and you’re given an epidural
Lie down till it starts working and they put a screen up

Before you know it baby is out
You feel nothing
Then whilst they are weighing and checking baby and showing you your new arrival they are stitching you up
I didn’t even know I was being stitched up as I had a new baby to think about ( well two really )

Thats it
After that just make sure you have the right meds as initially it can be painful.

Just noticed OP

Too late!

OhMaria2 · 16/02/2025 02:10

If your c section is delayed by emergency sections going in before you and you have been nil by mouth, demand fluids. Dont ask, tell them. Even after the first delay. Don't be a shrinking violet
My planned c section had multiple delays and I was 5 extra hours before I was given iv fluids and only because I was sobbing with feeling so ill. Dehydration can make a huge impact on your blood pressure dropping.