How does an elective C-section happen?

[vfoster]

I'm due in July and had a failed induction and an emergency c section with my first. This time I've been told I can have a VBAC unless the baby is measuring large. Considering my first was 10lb10 I'm not expecting a small baby! So, I'm preparing myself for having a section...I know how it worked for an emergency one after 30 odd hours of 'labour' but how does it work if it's planned? Do you get a date and time and go straight down to he operating theatre? Do you have to not eat/drink before hand? Do you end up staying in for a few more days like with an emergency one?
Thanks for any info/experiences! 😃

Thanks everyone! It all sounds really calm.
I think it's more relaxing to imagine a c-section as I've already had experince of it. During my induction I only got to 3cm after 30 odd hours so haven't really laboured properly.
Think I'd be more scared if told I can have a VBAC now!
Though starving myself could be a nightmare! I do fancy seeing them take the baby out though, doubt my husband would enjoy it. He was so squeamish last time!

Ooh this is an interesting thread as I am due to have an ELCS at 39w having had an EMCS under GA last time. The idea of a calm birth this time is very pleasing as last time was the complete opposite.

However, I am worried about the spinal block as last time I did have an epidural but was in so much pain at the time, I didn't really care what they did. I am worried about going in cold to the whole needle in the back scenario this time and was wondering how you all found it?

I didn't find it painful at all.
I had an emergency section and it was still very calm.
Even though I had a lot of complications with mine after and spent a month in hospital, I would still have it over a vaginal birth

Good question! I had every type of drug possible before the epidural and then had the spinal block so never knew if it hurt or not!
I did see one on One Born Every Minute and the nurse said the numbing needle hurt more than the spinal block needle!

I genuinely can't remember the spinal hurting so it can't have been bad.

Despite dd arriving as an unexpected vbac, I had a (counted as elective as not in labour but had to come out pronto) cs with my first DEM and I can't remember the spinal block hurting at all either.