C section with High BMI ( experiences please)

[ElaineC82]

Hi it looks like I’ll need a c section but not 100 percent yet ( I’m currently 23 weeks) I have a high BMI at 37, looking for ladies to share experiences of their c sections especially those with high BMI, how did you get on, where there any complications because of high bmi - thanks ladies x

BMI was around same when I give birth. No complications. Everything went fine, was an emergency c section. Don’t worry too much about it. Make sure you rest lots when you come home, take underwear at least a size up so it goes over your scar, have plenty of paracetamol in and listen to the doctors. I did have to inject myself with a blood thinner for 7 weeks into my stomach daily. Tbh this was the worst part. I now no longer hate needles. Good luck OP and congrats xx

If you Google high bmi csections, there's a website, can't remember what it is off the top of my head. That has a bunch of people's stories on there 😊

I've had one emergency and one planned with a BMI around 40. They were both fine.

With the planned one I met the anaesthetist prior to the op, they just checked my back and made sure there would be no issues with the epidural. That was all fine.

After a c section everyone has a bit of an overhang of their tummy. Obviously with a higher bmi, you might have a bit more. It's important to take good care of your scar, wash it carefully and make sure it is completely dry. It actually heals very quickly.

You will likely have to inject yourself with blood thinners for around 10 days after, my SIL had to and she is tiny so it might even be standard now for everyone. You'll be discharged with a box of clexane and a sharps box. They are really easy to do, just grab a little bit of flesh around your stomach and it's a small needle tip. Jab it in (the quicker the better I found) and it's a spring loaded syringe.

You can probably google loads more info as well but I hope that helps!

I did reply on another thread but more detail of my elcs.
It was a really calm procedure. My girls were delivered at 10:30&31, I was kept in recovery until 7pm as I had heavy blood loss which was not unexpected with 2 large placenta sites. I was able to get up and walk once hubby went home around 10pm but I did feel like a lead weight. The next morning I felt fine though and once catheter was removed was okay going down the ward to get lunch (I had a room furthest away) and to get a shower. They did want me to stay another night but my iron levels were not too low so they discharged me, was itching to get home. I didn't need any painkillers after birth at all, was able to get back to household chores straight away and had no trouble carrying both my babies around (17lb combined birth weight). Initially I seemed to be healing well but then my scar started to look angry and smelt off, went to hospital and they found a non-dissolvable stitches which shouldn't have been there had allowed bacteria in. They prescribed 2 lots of antibiotics, those plus removing some other undisolved stitches allowed it to heal pretty quickly (didn't cause any pain at all). I did avoid heavy lifting but was okay picking up our 2 & 4 year olds after a few weeks, I didn't drive for 6 weeks but that was because hubby got 6 weeks paid leave from work. I spoke to insurance and they said I was covered so long as I felt comfortable driving after surgery.
I barely notice my scar nowadays, it can be a bit tender at the beginning of af and after heavy deadlifts though. I would always opt for a vb where possible but I wouldn't fear a cs either.

I had an awful experience with the epidural in that it was very difficult for the anaesthetist to do, thos was mostly due to my weight with ds although I did have a similar experience with dd. My spine of is off centre which apparently didn't help. It took 17 attempts for them to get it in with ds and they hit a never twice, giving me excruciating pain in my left knee. I ended up with a badly bruised back and couldn't sleep on my back or tummy, not an experience I am keen to repeat. If I have to have another section I will ask to meet and speak to the anesthist before so they can take a look at my back.

It really is important to take things slowly after ypu have a section. I thought I was wonderwoman after having ds and did too much too soon. I split my stitches twice. I was too stubborn to ask for help. I am not now. My scar has healed well though, a very faint line.

Everyone's experience is different.

*anaesthetist

I had similar BMI and only issue I had was the anaesthetist had to use an ultrasound to do the spinal. I seemed to grow as much on my arse as I did on my bump though so it that probably didn't help 🤣

Thanks so much to everyone who has shared their experiences, it’s great to hear real experiences and people with similar BMI’s - thanks all x