Terrified of getting a section

[SarahB5884]

So I need to get a section due to preeclampsia, and I absolutely terrified.

My anxiety about it is through the roof I'm generally so so scared about it !

Can anyone give me any advice please?

After many natural births I found myself 4 hours from having an emcs!! Was stressed to say the least.
It was fine. As a needle phobe even the epidural was fine!!
Ds was more than fine which is honestly all you will be bothered about at crunch time.
I knew nothing about having one either tbh!!
Read up op, buy some big pants and honestly all will be great!

I was the opposite - terrified of labour and wanted a section, and ended up needing an emergency section.

I promise you it’s really not the awful thing you’re likely imagining. I’m terrified of needles so the spinal was by far the worst part - after that was done it all happened very quickly with no distress.

The spinal wears off gradually so there isn’t the sudden onset of pain you get when you wake up from a GA after surgery. When you start to feel the pain, ask for pain relief and if it’s not managing it ask for more - I needed a lot due to morphine tolerance and they were absolutely fantastic and gave me whatever I needed.

Had my section at 8:30pm, was up walking to the loo at 7am the next morning. Sadly my babies went straight to NICU and I didn’t see them for ages which was the most difficult part - the surgery itself was a doddle.

I was sore for a few days but nothing awful - went home less than 48 hours later, managed the stairs etc and was in most of every day visiting the twins. After a week I’d forgotten I’d had major surgery -I imagine a severe tear would be worse!

The nurse kept talking to me and distracting me which was amazing. I didn't feel anything and it felt like it was all over in 15 minutes although it was obviously a lot longer.
I slept a long time afterwards and the nurses kept on top of pain relief and showered me the next day.

I know it sounds really scary but you will be ok. Like other pp said the needle is the worst bit, and even that wasn't bad.

I had a elective c-section due to my DD being breach. it was very calm and recovery was fine. I was walking around the next day and had no issue making cups of tea or cooking or feeding my DD- I wasn't bedridden at all. On the whole i feel it was a far better option than the alternative!

I had an elcs for my DTs earlier than planned also due to pre eclampsia. It was absolutely amazing! I was terrified, but they really took the time to explain what it would feel like, and triple checked that I was definitely numb because that was one of my major fears, and didn’t start until I was ready - I actually felt like I was in control even though I couldn’t move.

I was up and hobbling the day after (wanted to be up the same day but because we were late in the day they said to wait), out shopping 5 days later and back to driving in 2 weeks.

Is there any specific part of a section you’re scared of?

What part of it are you worried about in particular? The needles, spinal tap, the surgery, or the recovery?

I can honestly say I'm so glad I had a section. It was remarkably easy and recovery was very quick.

Ive had 2 and worst part is the venflon going in your hsnd. Spinal was a doddle compared to that.
The staff are fab, a mw will be with you at your head end to talk you through and keep you calm.

They're nothing to fear honestly you'll be fine they will talk you through everything and if your unsure about anything ask.

I've had 3 ELCS and once I got my head around that it was the best thing for baby and I, I found them very positive and calm experiences. The midwives and all the other staff were very supportive and caring and I felt well looked after from the time I was taken to theatre to the time I went back to the ward. I chose music to listen to whilst having the section and my dh was able to support me.

I had an emergency one and it was nowhere as bad as I feared. Elective ones are meant to be quite calm so I’ve heard. It was a choice between that or a forceps delivery and looking back I’m glad I had a c-section as friend that have had forceps and tears still have problems years later. The recovery was fine too, it only took about 10 days before I was feeling back to normal. Good luck with everything :)

I have no words of wisdom for you, but just wanted to say you are not the only one with a fear! I’m only 17 weeks but I have high blood pressure and I’m absolutely terrified of having a csection! My consultant has said I will be induced early and section wasn’t mentioned, but the fear hasn’t alleviated at all!
I have 3 other kids (all natural and quick deliveries) and due in summer holidays, I think it’s the recovery that scares me the most if I’m honest!
xxx

I was too. I found a doctor that really respected by choices and was very pro natural births. After that it's luck that everything goes well. I understand completely though