C section

[Chez2306]

Hi all!

So I'm just wondering if any of you have had a c section before and what I need to expect in terms of pain and afterwards. I'm having a c section due to a growth on my brain so it's the only option I have.

I'm extremely nervous about having it done so if you could give me some of your experiences I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks❤️

There are some good elcs Facebook groups which might be helpful.

I've had two - the first was an emergency one due to pre eclampsia with twins. I was really scared before hand but honestly it was lovely. Very relaxed for an emergency and I felt involved and informed throughout.
The second was due to a very stubborn over due baby who didn't want to come out! That was semi/planned and was even more relaxed than the first - if anything it was a pleasant experience.

The pain was definitely manageable, they say the sooner you can get up and about after the better/quicker your recovery.

It's a scary thought trying to stand for the first time because you think it'll be awful but it honestly isn't it's mostly psychological which makes it hard to do but it doesn't hurt if you take it slowly and once you're up and able to sit in a chair after it's a lot better.

The absolute worst bit for me both times is going for the first poo after - with my first c section it took 2 days before I went and I was terrified because again psychologically you don't want to push through fear it will really really hurt but again, it's not so bad!

Ask for liquid morphine if it isn't offered, I found it took the edge off and just listen to your body. I never had a very painful moment with either of my experiences. It's more of a numb / dull pain if anything.

Best of luck to you!!!

I had one last Tuesday! My first baby it was an elective section due to a bladder condition I have. I had a good experience they even played music during the surgery! I got to have skin to skin within minutes of him coming out! Mine might differ to yours slightly because I have an allergy to morphine so I had to have a spinal rather than an epidural! Also afterwards because of my allergy I could only have tramadol for the pain but that was more than enough. I went in at 7:30am he was out and screaming at 09:26, I was then back on the ward by 10:30. Got feeling back in legs fully by about 2, catheter out by 6, changed into nightie and took tentative trip to toilet at about 7:30! Then did all his night feeds etc myself and was discharged the next day at 11. It's a week today and I'm feeling fine, almost back to normal! One thing I will say is that there is a high possibility you'll need to do daily injections for 10 days after your c section to avoid DVT, but honestly they aren't that bad!! Good luck

Most planned Cs are done using a spinal rather than an epidural.

I've had two emcs. Recovery was fine both times. Up and walking around within 3hrs of both with no pain. Didn't really need painkillers and was discharged 12hrs after my first and 36hrs after my second.

Get up as soon as you can, listen to your body, take pain meds if you need them and try not to worry. The staff are brilliant and the procedure calm and even joyful.

@UnilakTea Good to know there are some alternatives! I’m also elective c section due to a spontaneous dura tear a few years ago, I’m assuming I’ll be under GA. I’ve had breathing difficulty with codeine previously so not allowed morphine either -hopefully I’ll be allowed tramadol. Whatever it takes to get through it 😄

Im allergic to morphine too. I found out during my first Cs!

I’ve had two C sections, both very calm. I found out I have a sensitivity to morphine in the first, so very spaced out for hours after. Didn’t have this problem with the second and was a much better experience.

Take the pain meds. Learn to roll to the side to get up. I bought two pairs of special recovery pants to wear a few days after and wore them for the next couple of months. They made a huge difference, as I felt more supported down there.

I was most worried about the catheter, but I didn’t even feel it!!

Good luck, you’ll be fine!!

I was fine with just paracetamol and ibuprofen for the pain as long as took them regularly.
Mine was an emcs and I was so exhausted I slept through most of it. I did get stuck a few times in soft chairs or in bed so you do have to think about how to get up before you sit down!