42+4, planned a homebirth, but now booked in for c-section tomorrow... What do I need to take into hospital?

[Fufulina]

Hi all,

We had planned a homebirth, but at my check up today (am 42+4), the baby had completely disengaged himself, and my cervix (having been on the way on Tuesday) is now 'very unfavourable' for induction/vaginal birth.

So - I'm booked in for a c-section tomorrow. As we'd planned a home birth, I have no idea what I should take to the hospital... Can anyone help out? And - ridiculous question - I have no jamas or nighties - what do I wear in theatre???

TIA

are you happy with having a c.section... can you request an induction instead

is this first baby?

your cervix, AFAIK, cannot unripen, so maybe have a second opinion?

Don't go in then you don't have to worry about what to wear.

Why are you agreeing to it? Can't you just have daily scans and let nature take it's course.

My dc4 was born at 42+3, spontaneous labour

How sure of your dates are you? Do you know when you ovulated? Have you been having sweeps?

You don't pyjamas/nightdress for theatre, you'll be given a gown. You don't need that much different for a c-section really, just make sure you've got some nighties for afterwards rather than pyjamas which might be uncomfortable on your scar.

You will wear a hospital gown in theatre. You won't need anything different from a normal hospital bag.

My cervix was doing nothing and ds wasn't fully engaged and he was born 4 hours later. You can ask for induction if you don't want a csection. I'm sure this isn't a 'fight' you want at the moment, especially as with a csection you know you will have your baby here by christmas, but remember you do have choices.

Good luck xxx

Are their dates correct as far as you know?

You'll be given a gown, no need to worry about that.

I agree with the others - I think you are at liberty to still try for a vaginal birth.

you're in a hospital gown in theatre.

you'll need something to sleep in once you're back on the ward tho, you'll probably need to stay a couple of nights.
loads of knickers.
clothes for daytime if you want, and something to wear home.
flipflops or slippers.

toiletries for yourself, maternity pads, breast pads. wipes to clean yourself up before you're able to walk to the bathroom.

clothes for the baby.

nappies and cotton wool.

that's all i can think of that you really need. oh food and drinks unless you really like hospital food.

good luck

Thanks all - very confident about dates (actually 42+5 by mine), and was originally happy to go to 43 weeks (as was the consultant), but a different consultant today couldn't do a sweep at all and felt that his position (posterior) was the reason labour wasn't spontaneous.

The consultant today was very pro-vaginal birth (had had 2 herself, including one at home), so I didn't feel she was of the 'c-section is preferably in all cases' school of thought. And now I know it's his position, and not just that I cook babies for a long time, I'm keen to get him out, IYSWIM?

Thanks also for the tips on what to take - is very odd getting my head around it, tbh.

big pants, some that come up to your belly button, normal ones will rub the scar afterwards. They will probably put mesh pants on you after the op but you will need something when they get all icky after a day or so.

don't pig out after the op as the painkillers can make you constipated.

Get cheap cotton knickers, bigger than your normal size. No knickers too big imo!

you might even go into labour tonight ! you just never know !

all the best and don;t forget you can request skin to skin after a c.s

hope all goes well for you

Thanks Lulumama - and I realised I didn't answer your question - it is my first.... And have been having loads of BH for about 2 weeks now, which just isn't getting anywhere... Have to be honest, am still quietly hoping I do go into labour tonight!

never underestimate what's going on inside your body my lovely.

So... if you do have a c-birth do you have a c-birth plan? You know where you state your preferences.

Hi CMS - don't have a c-birth plan, other than the basics - skin to skin ASAP, to not announce sex of baby, but to let us see, and lowered lights.. TBH, I am still a bit shell shocked and sort of feel that as it's sooo far away from what I've been thinking about for 9 months, I almost can't start thinking about something completely different, IYSWIM?

And although I'm really tearful today, when the baby arrives, things will all be very different and I'll be delighted he's here and healthy.

Just out out interest Lulumama, I've also got lots of water (a score of 11, would that make sense), so I'm worried about cord prolapse if I did refuse c-section - valid worry or not?

if you have family who can help out afterwards your recovery will be faster.

I sat around like lady muck after my second cs and recovered so much faster than after my em cs first time round.

if you have a diagnosis of polyhydramnios then yes, there is an increased risk of cord prolapse, but i don;t know what a score of 11 means in terms of normal/ abnormal.

if you would prefer induction of labour to a c.s, then you can request that.

an unripe cervix may respond very well to induction. of course there is always a chance that you could end up with an emergency c.s, but IMO, a posterior baby is not enough of a reason to go straight to c.s .

polydramnios can be more of an issue, and you need to discuss the extent of that with your care givers

going from a home birth to a planned c.s is a big leap and if you need more time to get your head around it, and plan then you can ask for that

First insist on a second opionion. I would try induction first. However, I had 24 hours of trial labour after induction and the babys position meant that emcs the only option. The baby never moved position (she didn't enter the pelvis) but they can do. Problem is you need to stay as upright as possible, bit difficult if you have an epidural. However, you are more tired if you end up with a long induction and then emcs.

Big knickers, lots of pads, enough clothes (DH could take them in) for 2-3 day stay for you and the baby.

Line up as much help as possible if you do have a c-section, this time round I've hired a post natal doula but I do have a 2 year old.

Isotonic drink as they won't let you eat if possible c-section and even if elective you risk of getting bumped by emergencies and waiting a long time.

Think about what you want:
? Do you want the screen removed?
? A running commentary from the midwife?
? Music?
? Silence for when the baby is born so yours is the first voice baby hears?
? Can baby be delivered on to your chest?
? Have someone take photos of the bits you can't see e.g. when baby is weighed
? Dimmed lights at birth?
? Delay having baby dressed or fed until you are ready?
? No separation from baby?
? Do you want to wear a hospital gown or something of your own?
? Do you want the staff to remain quiet whilst suturing so that you can retain that special time with your baby immediately after the birth?
Sleep with a blanket the night before so that even if you are unable to hold baby immediately baby can be wrapped in your smell.

Preparation for the homecoming - making sure there is extra support in place for longer and we can discuss the healing process if you like. Work pre-birth on creating a 'birth plan' of sorts. You can have influence over the birth environment
Do you wish to use remedies (arnica. aconite and nux vom, also hypericum and calendula) in theatre and do you want to sprinkle your choice of essential oils onto your (own) pillows. The babe can be wrapped in her own towels and blankets.

TOP TIPS!!
? Fill your freezer up before you go
? Take Arnica before and afterwards to help with healing
? Rescue remedy is good too - it feels like you are helping yourself somehow
? Get some relaxing music for the theatre if possible
? Keep visitors at bay for at least three days
? Take some perfume and make up with you!
? Magazines are easier to read than books
? No pants are too big! And buy cheap cotton ones not disposable ones.
? Take your own most comfortable pillow

(MarsLady)

If you have a section you will still need maternity pads for bleeding, big knickers and loose fitting trousers which won't press on your wound.
You will certainly need help for the first week post op, then you will be surprised by how well you feel. But don't be tempted to do too much because you will be exhausted pretty quickly.
Good luck with it!

practical things:

a pillow - in the ward it's minimal
pjs - gown
maternity pads
towels
i pod
lots of change - for phone/pay tv
cotton wool
nappies
camera
birth announcements (I did them and DP posted them)