3 c section experiences ?

[Edinburgh00]

Hi looking for some advice please, I am currently pregnant and just found out I am high risk for downs syndrome1/51 chance so my anxiety is through the roof I will also have to an elective c section at 36/37 weeks due to previous placental abruption and risk of uterine rupture. I am terrified something will go wrong during the c-section and something will happen to the baby or me.

The anxiety and stress is driving me crazy this will be my 3 rd section
1st was elective

2nd was emergency due to placental abruption
3rd booked for elective due to risk of uterine rupture.
I have had both great and horrendous experiences but I am terrified now.
Anyone had 3 or more sections what was your experience ?

Thanks

I can’t help you on this one but just wanted to give a wee hand hold.

I had 3 sections, all fine. Just left with an overhang

I'm having my 3rd c section in a 12 days time. I'm petrified also. I don't know why, I've been through it twice before but I think that's what I'm panicking. I'm trying not too but deep down I could cry at the the thought of it. Actually I've got tears in my eyes typing this.

It's such a strange feeling - I'm so fed up of being pregnant and can't wait to not be pregnant. But at the same time....the days are going so fast and I want them to slow down....

I'm nervous about recovery and 2dcs. I'm such an organised person too and know if I'm not on top of everything I won't cope so I'm hoping I make a quick and easy recovery.

But yeah...the thought of 3 sections terrifies me.

I'm sure you will be ok op, I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling this way. My consultant wasn't concerned and neither have any midwives/doctors etc so I'm just trying to look at it that way x

Hiya, sorry not 3 sections but 2 and this will be my third (newly pregnant) I've had 2 placental abruptions, the first during premature labour at 27 weeks the 2nd at 36+4 so I will also be having a early section this time round. Can relate 100% with your fear of another section and pregnancy xx

Thank you so much for all your reply's, it is somewhat reassuring to hear that I am not alone with this anxiety and fear over my c section. Good luck to you both I am sure everything will be fine, as we are elective everything is more controlled and calmer which is a huge relief.

It is really strange that I feel like this as I know what to expect 🤔 it's still a worry and I am also thinking I can't wait for baby to be here but then I am thinking I want it to go slow too.

Xx

I've had 3 csections. First elective, 2nd emergency and third elective (kind of elective, was hoping for a surprise spontaneous and super fast/easy labour to sneak in before the elective section date but it didn't happen).
Anyways, third was the best one. Because it was elective it was way more controlled than the second, I spoke up more when I felt uncomfortable and if something didn't feel right and I was insistent on things like skin to skin straight after birth and letting baby latch as soon as he wanted.
The only thing is the bulgy bit above my scar is bigger and likely to never go away.
I understand you're nervous though, the conversation with the consultant about the risks and stuff really hit a nerve and I was incredibly nervous until baby was out and I was stitched back up.
I won't be having any more kids though as the idea of a fourth c section is too scary for me. It's not unheard of though

Oh no I want mine to be a quick pregnancy I have awful pregnancies so im eagerly awaiting the end result then that's it for me. I'm also hoping they'll knock me out for my section, I panic, alot, and my blood pressure rocketed so high in labour the first time I went dizzy and the BP is what caused the abruption. Worried if I'm awake thus time the same will happen! The 2nd time I had an abruption at home and they knocked me out to get her out straight away. Pregnancy and me don't do well so this is definitely the last!

Congrats and good luck to everybody.

I've had 3 sections, 1st EMCS after failed induction, then electives for the other 2. I have to say for me they got easier each time - probably because I knew what to expect and wasn't going into it after 2 days in labour. Also, knew my limitations afterwards so didn't try to do too much and end up infected like I did the first time. I do have a massive overhang, but to be honest I had that after the first one, it's not really got that much worse after the other 2. In fact, I'd say it was slightly better after no 3 as had a very experienced consultant do my c section that time.

I'm currently pregnant with DC4 so will be having my 4th section in October - not ideal (unplanned pregnancy) and I do worry about the toll on my body of a 4th major op in the same place, but not a lot that can be done about that now!

Congratulations.

I had 3 sections. 1st emergency, 2nd stubborn DS 15 days overdue 2 failed sweeps rumbling contractions for a few days then it was decided c section, third different area scheduled due to two previous sections.

Third was my best. With it being scheduled you can do all the practical stuff like have a nice hospital bag packed, other DC full organised and childcare sorted, your partner can schedule time off work (so much less pressure from work). You can meal plan and have your shopping in and ready for when you get home.

I was far less tired and able to enjoy DD when she was born. Born late morning - up and eating after a light wash, in the hospital dining hall that evening. I was fortunate that I could feed her/ she could breastfeed - which im sure was helped by the fact i wasn't exhausted and knew the other DC were okay and so the whole experience was really positive.

These positive stories are great. I need to start thinking positive x

Thank you for the wonderful messages. Need to stay positive and not dwell on my horrible experiences and focus on the good and that this is planned xx good luck every one and thank you for the reply's xx

So great to hear these positive stories. I'm also gearing up for a third section (first was an emcs, second an elective). I'm scared of the recovery this time around and having two dcs to look after, esp the very clingy toddler who likes to be carried lots and can't walk at 21 months!

I’ve had 4 sections - I had a PPH after the first which was an emergency section. The others, all electives, have been completely fine - honestly no problems at all :)

All 3 of mine have been fine with a similar recovery for each. I was told at the last one that the scar tissue was very weak and advised not to have another pregnancy - fine by me! My scar is very neat, flat and hardly noticeable to be honest.

I had three. It was all fine, but I remember being anxious before each one.

I’ve had 3 C sections. First 2 were breech and couldn’t be turned. 3rd was right way round but they wouldn’t allow a natural birth after 2 sections. I was anxious because 2nd section was unpleasant! Painful epidural insertion, a lot of tugging and pulling as baby was stuck under a rib but 3rd was fine. I was out of bed chasing my 3 year old up the hospital ward when DP and DC came to visit (got a bollocking from the midwife) and was up and about in no time. Hope this helps x

It's really refreshing to hear all these stories of 3 sections as more, you don't really see a lot about it. My consultant has been great and said I would need to deceiver early to rule out labour and uterine rupture. She isn't overalls concerned which is a relief as at my last section I was told my uterus was paper thin but this has all been explained as to why which is huge relief. Wishing you all lots of luck xx

I have had three. First one emergency and then the second and third elective due to cervical stenosis. The third one was fine. I was offered sterilisation at the same time as the c section and took them up on the offer! So recovery was slightly longer but all good.

I have offered sterilisation and have taken them up on their offer. They said it will add about 5 mins on the procedure time and will be done once everything else been done first. That's great about your 3rd section going so well here is hoping mine is too I had an elective for my 1at section as baby was breech and hen 2nd was booked for elective but due to Drs strikes I was induced but that failed and caused placental abruption which was then an emergency. So I am hoping all being planned and in control fingers crossed it goes well as the 1st. Xx

Im possibly going to have my second csection in a couple of months, hope you dont mind me asking but what does a placenta abruption feel like?

@Edinburgh00 I'm also thinking about sterilisation but I don't know if I can. I know that i don't want anymore dcs after this one. Absolutely not. But I think I'll feel emotional knowing I can't have anymore. If that make sense lol.

Hi of course I don't, I was in labour at the time and my contractions increased to 5 or more contractions in 10 minutes I just couldn't catch my breath between contractions really as they were very fast. My labour started slowly and gradually and then it was just a constant like the pain of a strong contraction that was constantly there in the background while having contractions that were 5 in 10 minutes if that makes sense . It was detected very quickly and I was taken to theatre for an emergency section. I know we were both very lucky and looking back if the Drs were not on strike I would have waited a few more days for my elective section. I hope this doesn't scare you and I don't mean too good luck in what you decide. Xx

Jelly449. It completely makes sense I was so undecided after my last pregnancy as I knew I needed to do something but always felt what if ?? But now I find myself unexpectedly pregnant and we are both extremely happy I know now that I will be happier having the sterilisation done as another section would be extremely high risk X

I've had four c sections, first emergency and three elective. Fourth one was definitely the easiest and best recovery because I got up and moving alot sooner than with the first three. So my advice would be get stood up and start shuffling about as soon as you feel able even if just from bed to chair. Drink plenty of water and then more.
I would go for a fifth if my DH could be persuaded!
Good luck.

Two emergency ones and my third was planned. This made a huge difference. I was terrified after the first two but I was awake with an epidural for the last and it was great!