EMCS V planned

[victoriascrumptious]

Are EMCS worse than planned in terms of recovery? I was aware I was going to have a cx 24hrs before I had one and the recovery wasnt that bad. I was awake during mine so is it the being put under a general that makes EMCS worse or is it the stress/labour before hand?

I had two EMCS- the first one was traumatic. The second was not so, even though it was after a 30 hour labour. I tried for a VBAC but knew there was a chance I wouldn't get it, so when CS was suggested, I was ready. And my recovery has been roughly the same. (Both were with epidurals). I think it's about the sense of shock and lack of control you feel if you're not prepared- at least, it was for me.

My EMCS was hell. Was in labour for 28 hours and had an epidural which was topped up for the op so I could be awake (that was fun having that put in during contractions!! ) Got rushed down the corridor having no idea what was going on and if we were going to be OK. DS had a crappy APGAR score when born thanks to being in distress for so long and almost went to SCBU so I didn't get to hold him until I was back on the ward 2 hours later! Scar was horribly sore afterwards and got infected and it took months before I felt OK again.

My ELCS was a breeze. Got to talk to the consultant beforehand, Had a spinal to be awake during the op, knew exactly when it was going to be so I could arrange childcare for DS, was calm and collected when I was wheeled in and almost enjoyed the experience. DD had a perfect APGAR score when delivered and I got to hold her straight away and even tried feeding! Scar was comfortable and I was up and about and asking to go home the next morning! Drove after 4 weeks cause I felt back to normal.

We're not having any more kids but if I did, I would chose an ELCS in a second!

Of course it's different for everyone - but that's my experience

I had a crash C section under GA and the recovery was fine. I think it just depends on the person and the circumstances. I was helped by never actually being in established labour (was having contractions on Synto but no pain or exertion iyswim). I didn't find the recovery any worse than my three vaginal births (apart from the socking great scar that is).