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.

When looking at the stats, remember that emergency CS's take place when a birth has gone wrong, so they include lots of problems that have nothing to do with the operation itself. So very different situations from yours.

An elective (planned) CS is an incredibly safe way to deliver.

Sorry to hear you're feeling so anxious op. Must be horrible and really stressful. I don't have any advice on how to calm your anxiety but I just wanted to share my experience to hopefully reassure you a little.

I had a c section in July last year, everything was fine but I bled more than I should have. I didn't even know this was happening, they where so calm and just kept reassuring me. They took about a minute to hold my son up over the curtain and I was asking why I couldn't see him and they said 'he's fine we're just rubbing him down' and I could hear him crying so I was okay.

They told me after that the real reason they didn't show me him straight away is because they where stopping my bleeding. They where amazing and got it under control straight away and I had no idea it was even happening so no time to worry.

It's so unlikely anything will happen, but if it does they are so highly trained to sort it in a calm and quick way.

You'll be absolutely fine op, I hope you can find a way to relax a little and not stress too much over the next couple of months 💐

Your doing all the right things seeking help from a consultant midwife and consultant as well as mental health teams. You should be really proud of yourself that you are taking some really positive steps to help yourself.

I was hugely anxious. My hospital had the head midwife who arranged for me to meet my anaesthetist beforehand. I discussed my anxiety and she had some anti anxiety meds ready prepped. They also put me first on the list for the day so I was out of theatre by ten am. It was really great to meet her beforehand and explain my worries and she could reassure me. Maybe ask if that’s an option for you?

@Chouxbuncity

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

I have spoken to my GP as I wanted some anti anxiety medicine but they can't prescribe any. Am waiting for Perinatal to contact me.

@sylbunny

Your doing all the right things seeking help from a consultant midwife and consultant as well as mental health teams. You should be really proud of yourself that you are taking some really positive steps to help yourself.

Thank you. I've suffered from anxiety for a long time and have always got help when it's worse (getting horrid thoughts etc). I'm knackered today as I didn't sleep. My consultant midwife gave me an appt on 22nd March but I couldn't wait until then especially with everything that's going on. All this is starting to badly affect my husband and my relationship with my son too.

@Haggisfish

I was hugely anxious. My hospital had the head midwife who arranged for me to meet my anaesthetist beforehand. I discussed my anxiety and she had some anti anxiety meds ready prepped. They also put me first on the list for the day so I was out of theatre by ten am. It was really great to meet her beforehand and explain my worries and she could reassure me. Maybe ask if that’s an option for you?

I would love to do this as well as get some anti anxiety meds but I am waiting for the consultant or consultant midwife to get in touch with me.

The anti anxiety meds I was given were given during the cs. When are you due?

@Haggisfish

The anti anxiety meds I was given were given during the cs. When are you due?

You can give different drugs during delivery (especially if it's a CS) compared to during pregnancy, because the drugs are less likely to affect the baby if it is delivered quickly after they are given.

Drug options during pregnancy are more limited, but there are other forms of support including CBT, -hypnosis etc.

Have a look at some hypnobirthing. I did the positive birth company but there are plenty out there to choose from. Some will be relevant, some won't be but I found it a great way to keep calm when I was pregnant. They go through breathing exercises and the book has a chapter on c-sections. There is an app too which has guided breathing and meditation tracks. It's not for everyone but it might be something to consider

@Survivingmy3yearold

Have a look at some hypnobirthing. I did the positive birth company but there are plenty out there to choose from. Some will be relevant, some won't be but I found it a great way to keep calm when I was pregnant. They go through breathing exercises and the book has a chapter on c-sections. There is an app too which has guided breathing and meditation tracks. It's not for everyone but it might be something to consider

Thank you very much for your advice.

@Haggisfish

The anti anxiety meds I was given were given during the cs. When are you due?

I am due 11th May but CS week before!.

@Chouxbuncity

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

Finally got a call from Perinatal who are going to contact the consultant midwife from a Perinatal point of view.

Hi posters on my post I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you all for your advice. I am now under Perinatal Mental Health care and have a Perinatal Consultant Obstetrician and Consultant Midwife who have helped massively with my fears and I feel like my anxiety is more manageable now. My C-Section is being done at 39 weeks and just waiting for a date. I had to push for these things so to people out there struggling with severe birth anxiety push for getting the support you need. Thanks again.

Well done op. Glad you’re feeling better.

@Haggisfish

Well done op. Glad you’re feeling better.

Thank you.