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Pregnancy

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Original poster

Is there a big difference between emergency and elective C section?

10 replies

SalaDo · 26/01/2011 16:17

A little history. With my DD i went 14days overdue then had 4 failed inductions resulting in 3 days of pain and lots of drugs followed by an emergency c section when she (not surprisingly) got distressed.

I'm now 40+4 and after having an internal today I was told my cervix is still 'long and totally closed' and the chance of going into labour is basically none :( . . They wont induce because of previous history and I'm now booked for a c section on Tues.

I just wondered if anyone had experienced both before? Last time I felt like it took me ages to get over but it didnt really matter as I could just take time out for me and the new baby . . This time I have a 5 year old to look after too. My partner and my mum are both taking time off so I wont be alone but I feel so disappointed and sad. Silly faulty body :(

Dreading tuesday and the 3days in hosp. Bleh. Just hoping that this time because I wont actually labour the recovery time will be better?

Thanks x

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PipPipPip · 26/01/2011 16:22

I have no experience, but just wanted to say...

Your body isn't silly and faulty - it is doing wonderful work creating healthy babies. Each body, baby and pregnancy is different.

Good luck x x

fruitful · 26/01/2011 16:31

Yes, recovery should be better.

Any chance of having a really good rest over the weekend and on Monday?

Going in to hospital when you're not in labour, knowing you're about to have your baby, is all a bit wierd. But it is a lovely calm way to have a baby.

I've had an elective cs, an emergency cs, and a crash cs, in that order! I now look back on that first cs as my dream birth. It was great ...

Bushymoo · 26/01/2011 18:28

I had an emergency section with DS1 5 years ago after a 24hr labour and failed ventouse. The actual op was quite scary as it was unexpected and I wasn't mentally prepared for it but the recovery wasn't too bad as I had good help and no other children to worry about. 6 weeks ago I had an elective section with DS2, the op was so different - the worst part for me was the anticipation of having the drip put in my hand and the spinal (I'm a real wuss with needles) but the rest of it was so relaxed and DS2 came into the world to the sounds of Christmas carols playing in the background and the reassuring buzz of happy chatter from the medical staff. They had to make a seperate cut as the scar from my first was too low so I'll have a new scar but as long as I recover well I'm not too bothered and touch wood it's not going too bad so far. Must admit though I think it's a bit harder this time around but that's down to having DS1 to look after and the school run to do so I find myself doing things I maybe shouldn't. As for your "faulty body", try not to dwell too much on that, I felt like that after the first section but now I think that as long as the baby comes out safe and healthy then it doesn't matter exactly how they have to come out.

I'm sure you'll have a more relaxed experience this time around and the days in hospital will fly by - in fact make the most of them, I was dreading them too but this time it was much better than the first as I wasn't as mentally or physically shattered and had an idea of what to expect - just remember the midwifes are there to help, take the painkillers and enjoy the bonding time with your new baby.

Good luck for Tuesday!

Chrysanthemum5 · 26/01/2011 18:40

Yes an elective is much better. I had an emergency section with ds then (like you) was given a few days notice that an elective section would be necessary with dd. Because there was no labour I felt much stronger afterwards. Also there was less pressure because dd wasn't distressed so it was just more relaxed. Also the surgeon was able to take his time and my scar second time round is much better.

Overall justuch easier to recover from the elective. It was upsetting to have a second section and I found it hard at the time. However once dd was here I found I was back to normal emotionally much quicker than with the emergency section.

Hope everything goes well

Original poster

SalaDo · 27/01/2011 16:29

Thanks alot for the replies . . Made me feel much better about things :)

OP posts:

AnytimeNOW · 27/01/2011 19:12

Hi, I've had two, first was emergency after 24 hours of non progresive labour. Second was allowed to go two weeks over dates, as wanted to try and have normal labour...booked in for elective if labour didn't start. I did start slowly night before section booked, was supposed to have him at 9am (was in full labour by then) got taken to theatre three times, and was taken back to my room as emergencies kept coming in.
Finally had him at 4.30 and the whole process was infact worse than the first emercency, as I ended up being an emergency too .
Currently pregnant, and going to try and get booked in well before labour actually starts.

I wish you all the best, and please don't feel bad about having to have a section, I wish last time I had just had one at 39 weeks...would have saved alot of distress all round!.

Elective that goes to plan has got to be so much better ...if you get chance? in the next few weeks please let us know how you get on X.
GOOD LUCK X

mrslurkalot · 27/01/2011 19:18

I have had 2, the first emergency after 24 hours of labour, and the next planned.

One was scary as hell at 3am, and the other was very relaxed, all theatre staff lovely, music playing. A completely different ball game.

Obviously you are still sore afterwards, but my recovery was much, much faster.

Please try not to be disappointed, the most important thing is that your baby arrives safe and sound.

Good Luck xxx

Trixiebelle30 · 27/01/2011 19:52

I have also had 2. Emergency the first time after 30 hours labour, failure to progress and fetal distress - in actual fact my cervix never dilated 1cm throughout my entire labour! and an elective just 6 weeks ago now.

I cannot tell you how much better the second time round with an elective has been. My recovery after my emergency c-section was slow, painful and a complete blur due to the painkillers. This time, I was home after 2 days, pretty much pain free after 2 weeks, and driving again completely painfree after 4 weeks. I would recommend an elective everytime, I feel great and have been able to get back to 'normal' so quickly.

The next babies I have will all be by elective section!

Stangirl · 28/01/2011 12:29

I've never had an EMCS but can say that my ELCS was brilliant. Painless, beautiful, bf in recovery, skin to skin in theatre, fast almost painless recovery and tiny scar. Really nothing to worry about.

Will be having another ELCS in July.

Meglet · 28/01/2011 12:39

yes, much better .

You will go to hospital prepared, after a good nights sleep, knowing exactly what is going to happen. BF was very easy after my planned cs. I had a private room in the hospital (I pestered the midwives for that) and stayed for 3 days in peace and quiet. TBH I wanted to be in control of my recovery unlike the 'recovery' from my EMCS when I was battling on in pain and putting up with loads of visitors.

I was off paracetamol 10 days after my planned cs. Mind you, I rested for longer after my planned cs as I wanted to recover properly. It wasn't too hard to put life on hold for a month, lots of ready meals and no housework. I did wait until my 6 week check to start driving but I tend to be a worrier so was happy to wait.

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