Severe anxiety over a C-Section

[HappyMummy82]

I have bad birth anxiety and so had a C-Section in 2017 with my son and now I am due again in May. I am having a planned C-Section again but after seeing a doctor who mentioned bleeding and hysterectomies (I know she was only doing her job) when I came to sign the consent form I am now suffering again from severe anxiety. I feel trapped in it and it's getting to the point where I can't stop thinking about dying on the table and the worst happening. I was OK before I had that appointment and now I just can't see a way out of this. I had severe anxiety last time hence why I had the planned C-Section. Nothing happened and I imagine nothing will happen this time but my fear of the unknown is just fuelling my anxiety to the point where I'm struggling to sleep or eat very much. It's constantly playing on my mind. Are there any other fellow mums out there who went through this and what tips could you give me to help me through the next two months? Did anyone have their C-Section earlier than 39 weeks due to severe anxiety? Just can't see myself lasting until first week of May.

My job is to review maternity cases with unexpected outcomes, so the bleeds and the hysterectomies and everything else. I chose to have a cs as knowing all the risks this was the safer outcome due to my history. Its a controlled environment and IF you did have a bleed you are in theatre already so the doctors can react quicker.
Ask if you can speak to your doctor or if your unit has one, the consultant midwife. They will be the best to reassure you. As for bringing your cs forward again speak to your doctor as unless medically justified the cs is to your due date the better hence the 39 week usually.

I got really bad anxiety for both mine too. I signed the consent and then next time told them I didn’t want to hear about any risks unless it had changed. I also read lots of positive c section stories. That helped a lot. And both my c sections were totally fine. No drama at all.

I had a c section at 37 weeks due to anxiety.

In total, I’ve had four c sections. Surely a planned c section is a obstetrician’s more predictable role?

I was getting wobbly reading the risks and statistics on my consent form but my husband casually looked at the numbers and said I was far more likely to be injured or worse on the car journey on the way to the hospital. That really helped to shift my prospective.

@Clementine8

My job is to review maternity cases with unexpected outcomes, so the bleeds and the hysterectomies and everything else. I chose to have a cs as knowing all the risks this was the safer outcome due to my history. Its a controlled environment and IF you did have a bleed you are in theatre already so the doctors can react quicker. Ask if you can speak to your doctor or if your unit has one, the consultant midwife. They will be the best to reassure you. As for bringing your cs forward again speak to your doctor as unless medically justified the cs is to your due date the better hence the 39 week usually.

Thank you for this. I feel slightly better. I have asked my midwife for a referral to Perinatal Mental Health and to speak to the consultant midwife who organised my planned C-Section last time. It's good to hear from someone who organises these things. I'll see what the consultant midwife says with regards to everything. She might offer to come in with me which might help.

@PraiseBee

I was getting wobbly reading the risks and statistics on my consent form but my husband casually looked at the numbers and said I was far more likely to be injured or worse on the car journey on the way to the hospital. That really helped to shift my prospective.

My husband was saying the same thing. There are risks in everything he says x

A friend of mine did have complications during a C-section, they cut her bladder by accident, and there was an emergency. (good outcome though, mother and baby okay). But, two years later, I found myself in the situation of having an emergency C-section and had to sign the consent form - no choice really - and they read out the possible complications, including the damage to bladder risk, and I knew, because of my friend's experience, that it is a real risk, as in, it does actually happen, sometimes.

So yes, I do understand the anxiety. However, I suppose I had the knowledge that although it had happened to my friend, they managed to save her and the baby, and the outcome was good in the end.

I had nothing untoward with my operation, and despite it being an emergency, my baby was okay, and so was I, despite the shock and stress of it all.

I'm sure you'll be fine. Remember these surgeons are experts, they do it every day.

I think they do have to cover all of the risks when you have an elective section. I had EMCS first time round which was not quite a crash section but a very rushed one. I don't want to ever see my hospital notes on it.

Second time round I chose an ELCS, the consultant told me all the risks especially damage to the bladder etc my response was surely the higher risk was the emergency section where they rushed to cut me open with a baby in distress, it was so fast Dh almost didn't make it into the room before they started. He only had to change into scrubs!

I think if they did the same risk assessment for a vaginal delivery it would bring a lot of women up short. Radio 4 Woman's Hour did a segment on birth injuries to women and it was eye opening, especially the statistics.

It is a theatre, the best place if, if, something was to go wrong. You have already had a successful c section. I would comfort myself with that.

Also, remind yourself that women don’t have to sign a disclaimer for giving birth vaginally. But imagine if they did! Or for anything in your life that you do that has a slight risk. It feels worse because it’s written down and you’ve had to talk about it.

@TheCatWithTheFluffyTail

I had a c section at 37 weeks due to anxiety.

In total, I’ve had four c sections. Surely a planned c section is a obstetrician’s more predictable role?

Hi do you mind me asking about your anxiety? Was it really bad? Did you ask the consultant if you could have an early section? I'm considering asking my consultant midwife or consultant when I can finally get an appt with them.

My anxiety was really bad (my previous baby had died neonatally) and I really struggled throughout the pregnancy.

@TheCatWithTheFluffyTail

My anxiety was really bad (my previous baby had died neonatally) and I really struggled throughout the pregnancy.

I'm so sorry to hear that. I understand now why you had your section earlier.

Great that you have asked to see the perinatal mental health team.

I am a doula and have accompanied women during c sections. I offer hypnobirthing support to teach fear release, breathing and positive affirmarion and visualisation all of which help. In one operation, we had the most amazing anesthetist who was also a hypnotherapist and she ensured that the conversations around the patient were appropriate and reassuring. That was a beautiful birth!!

I am due 2nd week of may. Due to previous trauma I have requested a C-Section and hopefully at my 34 week appointment it will be confirmed, if it is 39 weeks, then be the first week of may like yourself!

I am also suffering NOW with the anxiety of the section too.. I can't stop thinking, no matter how I give birth, I'm doomed but in your case, I think you should find comfort that you have had one before, and it went fine, I also think, and obviously I'm not a medical professional but the closer to your due date is actually safer.. because your body is more ready!

I had an EMCS which I found very traumatising and I haemorrhaged as I had been in labour for so long, baby was big and my uterus tore.

Was nervous second time around but felt safer with ELCS.

I barely bled, best experience I have ever had in my life.

Please don’t worry. Far less likely to have complications with an ELCS.

They won’t perform a section before 39 weeks unless it’s for medical reasons x

Thank you all for your help. I have asked for a consultant or consultant midwife to help me as I am really struggling so just waiting for one of them to call me back. I know that waiting until 39 weeks is what I need to do but my anxiety at the moment is overwhelming me completely to the point where I can't see a way forward. I feel like I'm trapped in this prison (I know it's in my mind) and I can't find a way out. I have had nasty thoughts and am struggling to eat or sleep properly. I thought I had cracked the sleep thing on Tuesday night but tonight has been really bad. I think I was probably so anxious before I went to sleep that my body didn't really have a chance. I have just downloaded a meditation app so hoping that might work. I also am under the care of a mental health team but waiting for Perinatal to get in touch. I know that I shouldn't have baby early but I don't know what I'm going to do if I can't get something in place to support me. I know the op will be fine but tbh my anxiety has been threatening to spiral out of control for a while because I've been feeling anxious since the day I got pregnant because of two previous miscarriages.

I really hope you get some support OP. Do you ever do guided relaxations? I found them much easier than meditation or anything where there was too much silence. I’m not surprised you feel anxious after two miscarriages. It must be so stressful.

I had a planned c section last year. My anxiety was through the roof as dd1 was born unexpectedly very poorly (and did not survive). I wailed the whole way through (embarrassing looking back). I can remember asking the obstetrician if I might bleed to death. I had a major anxiety and ptsd over hearing the crash alarm and rather than happening for my child (which happened before), I had visions of it happening for me. She told me they would not let me bleed to death, and in the absolute worst case scenario would do a hysterectomy to save my life. I found it reassuring to know there was a plan just in case.
I found the perinatal mental health team very good, so hope you get your appt through soon.

@SwanShaped very, very good point!

@Redskyyy

I had a planned c section last year. My anxiety was through the roof as dd1 was born unexpectedly very poorly (and did not survive). I wailed the whole way through (embarrassing looking back). I can remember asking the obstetrician if I might bleed to death. I had a major anxiety and ptsd over hearing the crash alarm and rather than happening for my child (which happened before), I had visions of it happening for me. She told me they would not let me bleed to death, and in the absolute worst case scenario would do a hysterectomy to save my life. I found it reassuring to know there was a plan just in case. I found the perinatal mental health team very good, so hope you get your appt through soon.

Sorry to hear this. I can't imagine what you went through. Sorry again.

@SwanShaped

I really hope you get some support OP. Do you ever do guided relaxations? I found them much easier than meditation or anything where there was too much silence. I’m not surprised you feel anxious after two miscarriages. It must be so stressful.

Thank you. I am trying Headspace to see if that works and it did help a little bit last night but not enough. I do need to rationalise my thoughts and everything but just really struggling at the moment to do so.

I think you have to remember risks of ‘bad’ things happening are very very low and nice birth is risk free unfortunately. Infection, pain, blood clot more common and there are ways to manage these. I had an EMCS recently and the recovery has been manageable ish!

Please seek help regarding your anxiety though if it’s affecting you’re life.

Have you tried speaking to your GP? Perinatal mental health services would be appropriate if you are struggling to eat and sleep.

A planned c section must be one of the safest ways to give birth.
I'm an anxious person in general and the two I had were very peaceful and felt very safe.