It's ok to be nervous. I think anyone in your position would be!
I've not had a C-section myself, but I do work in obstetric theatres. So I know some of the answers to your questions, which I hope will help.
Will I have to sign consent forms?
Yes. You'll sign these the day of your C-section. One of the surgeon team will come over and talk you through the operation, and the risks involved before you sign.
Will I meet those that'll be in theater?
Not everyone. As mentioned, you'll meet at least one of the surgeons when you're consented. You'll also meet the anaesthetist, and naturally, the midwife who will be looking after you and baby while in theatre. Everyone else (anaesthetic nurse, scrub nurse, circulator(s)) you'll meet when you're in the theatre itself.
Obviously I know normally there would be a preop, will I still get that?
Yes. One of the anaesthetist team will come up and see you on the ward at the very least the day before.
Will I get to choose between spinal and epidural as I really don't want an epidural at all?
Unlikely. But spinal is the most preferred method of anaesthesia for a C-section. An epidural is usually only given for an elective if it's known the operation is likely going to take a very long time.
What will happen on the day?
That will vary by trust, so I won't be able to tell you exact specifics, but generally:
You'll be bought down to a hospital room/bay waiting area near the theatres
Meet midwife, surgeon and anaesthetist.
Obs taken. You're asked questions. You ask any questions. Consent is signed. Find out where on the list you'll be. At some point between now and the spinal being started, you'll have a cannula or two inserted.
Wait.
Close to the time of your C-section, you'll be asked to put on a gown and compression stockings. Your partner will get some PPE of their own to wear too.
When it's time, you'll be escorted to theatre by (most likely) your midwife. Your partner will
You'll be asked all the pre-op questions (again), confirm your identity (again), and check you know and understand what operation you're having done. Also that the signature on the consent form is your own. If you aren't already cannulated, you will be now.
Anaesthetist will prep the anaesthetic stuff behind you and get into sterile gear. Anaesthetic nurse will help you get into position. The words angry cat or cooked prawn (or even angry prawn) are likely to be used to describe said position. Basically arch the middle of your back out as much as you can. Scrub team are also likely getting ready at the same time.
Anaesthetist sterilises your back. It's alcohol based so it's cold.
Once it's dry local anaesthetic injections are given. It stings a bit, but goes away quickly.
Spinal inserted. Should feel pushing and poking but nothing sharp or painful. If you do, they"ll give more local. There's a possibility of an electric shock sensation down one side if they accidentally brush a nerve. It's not pleasant, but will be a complete accident and they will try not to replicate it.
Lie down! Spinals work quite quickly, so it's best to get you into position before your legs stop working. You'll have you blood pressure taken very frequently until the baby is born. ECG and pulse oximeter will also be on until the very end. You'll also have fluids running.
Anaesthetist will check the "block" by spraying you with a cold spray. Where the block is working you should feel either nothing or just droplets. It'll be cold only where it isn't working. The feeling of cold is carried by the same receptors as pain. Cool right?! It's important to remember you will still be able to feel touch and pressure. They can't block those..
Once the block is adequate, you get catheterised (necessary to keep your bladder out of the way). You'll also get a diathermy pad on your thigh. The surgeons come in, get into sterile gear, and it's showtime!
First everyone will introduce themselves, and a number of questions will be asked of each other and you. This is called the WHO checklist, and is done before every operation begins.
Next, your bump gets exposed and sterilised. Once dry, the drape is put up, lights go on, surgeons check the block while you can't see, incision is made, and the operation begins!
A handful of minutes later, you'll hear the suction go on. You're now moments away from having your baby!
As part of your baby being born, fundal pressure needs to be applied. This might be uncomfortable, but should be over quickly.
So long as everything is going ok, if you want to, the drape can be dropped so you can see baby emerge! Partner might be able to take photos (anything gross will be covered). If you don't know the sex you can find out here as well!
So long as baby is ok, delayed cord clamping can go on. They'll be lying on your legs getting dried by the midwife and/or the scrub nurse. Once 60 seconds are up, the cord is clamped and cut, and baby is bought around to meet you!
After that, baby at some point will be checked over by the midwife (vital signs, count fingers, toes etc.) and get their very own anklets. Other than that, so long as they're ok they can be with you, your partner, or snuggled up in their own little cot.
Placenta is removed shortly after baby is taken away.
The rest of the operation is the surgeons stitching you back up. If you feel light headed, dizzy or nauseous tell your anaesthetist, and they can give you all sorts of wonderful medications to counteract them. You might get the shakes) shivering. This is a very common side effect of the spinal, and unfortunately there's nothing that can be done to stop it. It will wear off as the spinal does.
Once the operation is over, everyone comes together for another question and answer session as part of the WHO checklist. Scrub team will clean you up as best they can.
A new bed is bought in, baby and partner put in the corner out of the way, and you're transferred across via Patslide. You're laid on one side to help prevent pressure damage to your back. You'll likely to be immobile for a few hours yet, and you can't feel the pain. You choose which side at the very least. Don't worry about not being able to help. We won't expect you to be able to. It's a very rare occurrence for anyone to be able to move their legs enough to.
If you want, baby comes into the bed with you, the theatre team say their goodbyes, and you're wheeled around to recovery.
You should get something to eat and drink once you're settled in recovery. If you're feeling up to it ofc. After a few hours/once you have feeling back in your legs, you're taken up to the postnatal ward. Catheter usually comes out the following morning, and you'll get your first anticoagulant jab a few hours after the operation as well.
Sorry for the essay, but I hope it helps. Good luck!