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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

planned c-section questions

49 replies

seven201 · 26/05/2016 12:48

Hello!

I've just been told that I will be having a c-section in 2-3 weeks (38-39 weeks) due a number of reasons. In case this affects the answers to my first q it's because my blood pressure has gone up (had pre existing high bp), my kidney function isn't great (again already had problems before pregnancy but it's got worse) and the baby is breech (they won't try and turn her due to my bp).

I have some questions if that's ok...

how long do they generally keep you and baby in after a section (assuming no complications)?

How many pairs of big pants do I need? I bought 5...

Do they leave the catheter in for a while? I'm usually a pj's girl so trying to work out if I need to buy some nighties.

Any hospital bag tips?

Any other general tips?

Thanks in advance! X

OP posts:

Original poster

seven201 · 26/05/2016 21:25

I love you all

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Brosie12 · 26/05/2016 21:59

I had a planned c-section and was in for three days, 2 nights- I felt really ready to go home at that point. Definitely get a nightie rather than pj's. They will whack a weird nonstick pad thing under you to deal with the postpartum bleeding while you're unable to move with the catheter (very liberating) so you will need to be pants less - and the thing that I would warn you about that I wish someone would have told me would happen were the quite painful contractions can still happen afterwards as your uterus shrinks! They squeeze it down for you to help apparently while you're opened up but the muscles still need to contract and it mimics labour pains. Nothing I'm sure like actual labour, but still very, extremely uncomfortable! Day of the c-section, I felt fine, Day 2, strong very real contractions. Be warned- I wasn't!! Don't be afraid to ask for meds!!

OhWhatAPalaver · 28/05/2016 11:14

Place marking as there's some really good tips here. I'm booked for an elcs in 3 weeks and will no doubt forget things!

WyldeGharlique · 28/05/2016 11:22

Hijacking with some more questions, hope that's ok! Planned c section imminent:

-do you have to take your contact lenses out. I hate the feel of wearing glasses, but can't see a thing without!
-I'm guessing painted nails is a no-no? (As if I can reach my toes anyway)
-there's some...shaving...isn't there? Any advice on that front? Book a wax?
-will maternity leggings be comfortable enough for going home? Or jogging pants better?

Original poster

seven201 · 28/05/2016 11:42

Thanks Brosie12 I didn't know that.

Yes feel free to add questions. I was also wondering if I needed to remove my toe nail varnish - took me bloody ages to paint my nails the other day so I hope not, but I think you're probably right.

I was wondering if you get a numb bum just laying there for so long or does the anaesthetic take that feeling away completely. I'm quite a fidgety person in bed. I've been in for quite a lot of monitoring and I've found staying still on a hospital bed really hard! Obviously I can just lump it but was just wondering what it's actually like...

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CodyKing · 28/05/2016 11:54

I found your legs swell up and you can't really feel them

You also lose the feeling in your stomach and mine was numb for about 2 years!

OhWhatAPalaver · 28/05/2016 12:11

First time round I had a numb patch on my lower back/top of bum for months afterwards! The anaesthetist said it was temporary nerve damage caused by the spinal but I'm going to try not to sit in the same position for too long this time to see if that helps as it was really weird and uncomfortable for ages.

Brosie12 · 28/05/2016 23:33

I don't think I removed my contacts but That may have been an oversight. Basically the reasoning is if things go badly and you have to go totally under they don't want to have to remove them for you as I understand. I had a Brazilian or a Hollywood wax (can't quite recall which although I recall being embarrassed getting it with the massive tummy?) As I wanted to avoid a Dr shaving me! My scar is just under the top of my natural hairline so would definitely recommend it. The other thing I would say is please don't be afraid to ask for assistance while you're somewhat incapacitated. I know that sounds odd now, but no matter how competent and assertive you are, you are going react to stuff differently to how you otherwise might on those first few days post birth. And the meds and earlier than due date delivery can mean baby is sleepy.

Personal Example: I am normally very assertive - but my newborn didn't feed from 8pm (when DH left) the night she was born (in the morning) - I kept trying but she was sleeping so I hated to wake her. And I kept ringing the midwives every 3 hours (as you can't physically move you need help) saying she was still asleep and not eating (unlike all the other babies on the ward who were crying for food etc). They kept telling me, she will wake up when she's hungry and you will know it - call us then for help !

Yeah, 8am when DH turned up I had been awake all night and she had not fed once. In tears I begged him to help me and get them to help us. He was livid. He brought them in and My assertiveness came back at that point I actually said to the midwife it had been so long I was concerned about her blood sugar levels and that I said she was probably so deprived she was unable at this point to wake up- so I demanded they do it. They reluctantly tested her. It was low! So they had to then cup feed her with formula despite me wanting to BF. She was fine after that but I wanted to just say do not be afraid to act on your maternal instincts. We had 4 weeks of difficulty where I pumped and continued trying to BF before she was finally able to breastfeed (which she then did brilliantly for a further 11 months- so don't give up if it doesn't happen immediately!!) I guess though I can say my baby slept through the night the day she was born however, although it's not advisable !! X

Original poster

seven201 · 29/05/2016 00:05

Thanks everyone :)

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Castafioresbijoux · 29/05/2016 08:22

I was told to remove my contact lenses before the section. It was specifically asked if I was wearing any.

Doingitover · 30/05/2016 16:53

I usually have gel on my nails. Does anyone know if this needs removing before hand? Thanks

HappyGirl86 · 30/05/2016 21:22

I just wanted to agree with the others who suggested deflatine or peppermint oil. I'd also recommend peppermint tea bags as it helps with the wind and helps you to keep your fluids up. If you get really bad pain in your shoulder then that is the wind- my friend actually told me this- the midwives said it was because I had been tensing up!
I also would agree with big knickers. I'd say get quite a few pairs. My c section was 16 weeks ago and I'm still wearing the big knickers as my scar still feels sensitive.
Don't forget you will still need maternity pads. I got cheap and cheerful ones from boots.
Contact lenses- my c section was an emergency, and as they pushed me down to theatre they asked if I was wearing contact lenses but I refused to remove them as I have terrible eyesight and I wanted to be able to see my baby. If it's a planned c section I'd definitely wear your glasses.
Good luck! I hope it all goes well!

HappyGirl86 · 30/05/2016 21:24

I had nail vanish on and never had to remove it but mine was an emergency c section. I can't see that it matters, but you could remove it if you are concerned.
My best advice- don't put anything on the scar for the first 6 weeks. I was so tempted to start putting antiseptic creams on etc but I left it and it healed without any infection. Try to let the shower run over it every day and then gently pat it dry with a tissue as if it's left damp it can cause infections.

Original poster

seven201 · 30/05/2016 22:36

Thanks. I went to buy deflatine but ended up buying the boots equivalent only to discover when I got home that you can't use it when breastfeeding. So deflatine you can? I also got some peppermint oil capsules and already have tea bags. I'm nearly all packed!

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Doingitover · 31/05/2016 13:26

My last c section was an emergency 11 years ago. So I was completely unprepared. I still remember the pain from the trapped wind so this time I will defo be lacking peppermint oil.
This thread is really useful

KP86 · 31/05/2016 15:15

Nail polish should definitely be removed. It's so they can monitor your nail beds for blood flow during surgery.

For EMCS they rarely have time to worry about it.

wonkylegs · 31/05/2016 15:33

I had a planned section just under 6wks ago.
I didn't have to shave or get shaved at all , my scar is right on the edge of my bikini line and has healed fantastically.
I only had to stay 36hrs , would have been 30hrs but they had a weird query from my medical history which required some clarification so took a bit longer.
I had my section at 9.30am, my catheter was out at lunchtime.
Generally it has been much easier than my emcs 8years ago but the trapped wind and the afterpains when feeding on the first 2 days caught me unawares.

shabbychic1 · 02/06/2016 20:25

Place marking for September

Lineupeverybody · 02/06/2016 21:18

My hospital advise you not to shave beforehand, they don't shave you any more due to the risk of infection when the hair grows back.

I had the worst constipation ever on day 2 post section, honestly it brings me out in a sweat just thinking of it. Ask for lactulose and keep taking it even if you think things are working ok.

Original poster

seven201 · 02/06/2016 22:28

That's interesting about the not shaving. I'm already on lactulose because of constipation from iron tablets so I will stock up on more!

I found out today I might not be having a caesarean after all. Last week a different doctor told me I was 100% having one but today I saw the head dr who said they'll try an ecv on Monday. I have to re-pack my hospital bag, write a new birth plan and re-start doing my pelvic floors again just in case! Oh well, not the end of the world.

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Original poster

seven201 · 02/06/2016 22:28

That's interesting about the not shaving. I'm already on lactulose because of constipation from iron tablets so I will stock up on more!

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Lineupeverybody · 04/06/2016 21:22

It's your choice if they attempt ecv not theirs, have you read up on the risks and weighed up the pros and cons?

Not to scare you but a lady started a campaign on here last year about it and I was quite shocked when I actually looked at the risks. Healthcare teams seem to minimise the risks but there's no way I would let them do ecv myself.

I'm really sorry if my post is innapropriate and I'm honestly not scaremongering.

OhWhatAPalaver · 05/06/2016 12:06

I would also query the ecv. They tend not to be pleasant experiences for mum or baby and I believe the risks are quite high for cord getting round neck etc. I was told no ecv at all for me as I've already had one previous section.

Original poster

seven201 · 06/06/2016 19:08

Thanks both. I admit I was a bit after reading your messages but decided to go ahead. It didn't work but I'm glad I tried. Have got my c-section booked for next Wednesday!

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