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Original poster

High BMI & elective c section

9 replies

Toddlermum1990 · 12/05/2021 20:06

First time poster but looking for other people's experience please.

I'm currently booked in 2 weeks for an induction to have my little boy, but am considering an elective c section as this is also available.

This is my second baby, my first was induced but developed a problem due to getting stuck on the way out (nerve damage in his limb) they had to use forceps however, he improved through physio and he has no problems now at 4 years old.

I've been offered a c section and think this may be the best but am really worrying about the operation and also the recovery. Especially with being overweight.

If anyone can give there experience I'd really appreciate this. When were you able to pick baby up out of cot? When could you change your baby for instance on the bed or a mat? Or are you literally bed bound for a week after.

Thank you.

OP posts:

Floopyandtired · 12/05/2021 20:28

Hiya 😊 I have a BMI of 35 and I had an elective section 3 years ago. It was absolutely fine. The first 4 days I needed help changing the baby, getting him out of the cot etc. But on day 5 I could walk round the supermarket and by day 7 I was looking after him by myself pretty easily. I was never told having a higher BMI could impact my recovery. I am now 37 weeks with baby #2 and have another section booked in for 2 weeks time; again, my BMI has never been mentioned in a negative way regarding recovery. Good luck x

waitingpatientlyforspring · 12/05/2021 20:28

I had emergency section- it was 14 years ago so memory will be sketchy but I wasn't bed bound and once the anaesthesia wore off I could look after my ds ie pick up, feed and change him.

I'm also (very) overweight and don't feel it impacted my recovery.

That said, with second I opted for a vbac and would always op for a vaginal birth as the recovery is so much easier. There is only 18 months between ours so I especially didn't want to be recovering from a section with a toddler.

AConvivialHost · 12/05/2021 20:30

I suspect you'll get people with varying experiences of having a section, but both of mine were straightforward with speedy recoveries.

My first was an emergency after a couple of failed inductions and she was born in the evening. The nurses took her off me that night, so I could get some sleep but I was able to get out of bed the following morning and able to change her/pick her up etc. I was discharged on day 4 and was able to potter about/do light housework at home, and was back driving after 3 weeks. I did get a wound infection as one of my stitches didn't dissolve, but that was just a little set back.

My second was an elective. She was born mid-morning, and I was encouraged to get up into a chair as soon as the epidural wore off. I was home on day 3 and managed to walk around to the local coffee shop for coffee and cake. No issues with my wound second time around, I had a PICO dressing, which vacuums the wound to avoid infection. The fragmin injections that I had for a couple of weeks post-op were the worst thing about having a section in my opinion.

IMHO the sooner you get up and about, the easier the recovery is.

baconbarm · 12/05/2021 20:51

Hi! I had a shoulder dystocia following induction with my first, so opted to have a section for my second because I found the first birth quite traumatic.
I have a very high BMI and although I wasn't as agile after the c-section compared to the first (vaginal with episiotomy/forceps), I could lift the baby straight away. There was lots of info on here regarding tips for managing after a section which I found useful. I couldn't lift my toddler son properly for a while but I was able to look after both him and the baby from day 1 being home with minimal help.
I did develop an infection in my wound which needed antibiotics but (and I am ashamed to say this!) it was due to me having quite excessive skin overhang on my stomach so the wound was sweaty.
I don't regret having a section for my second, it reduced my anxiety surrounding the birth massively. I expect everyone will have different experiences of recovery post surgery. It's down to personal preference and whatever you choose is the right choice!

Ek3009 · 12/05/2021 22:35

Hi, i had a very high BMI when I had my daughter via planned section (she was breech). She was my first so I have nothing else to compare it to but honestly I couldn’t believe how well I felt after it.

The worst part was the first time getting out the bed and standing up but once I was on my feet I felt fine. I was picking my baby up more or less straight away , was out for a walk on day 4 and back driving by 2 weeks. I honestly think if you were having a general surgery you would be out for a few weeks but because you have a tiny person depending on you, you just get on with it and I think it definitely helps with your recovery getting up and about.

Obviously everyone recovers differently but if I have another I would 100% opt for another section x

webuiltthiscityonrockandwheat · 12/05/2021 22:39

I had an elective c section 15 days ago and I'm feeling almost back to normal now. The first few days/week was hard but with regular pain relief it was manageable. The major downsides are not being able to drive and not being able to pick up my 3 year old. I had an induction followed by an emergency c section with DS and there's no way I was putting myself through that again

Chelyanne · 12/05/2021 23:30

My BMI was 36 when I had elcs with breech twins.
I'd only heard horror stories about how hard recovery was, I found it quite easy though. I declined painkillers once spinal wore off and didn't feel the need for them at home either, I am the sort to overdo things if I numb the pain. I lost quite a lot of blood after my surgery so was kept on recovery longer than most but I was able to get up and walk within 12 hours, did feel like a lead weight though. In the morning I felt fine and once my catheter was out I could get about as normal. I had no trouble lifting and carrying both our girls around, was back doing household stuff straight away and out pushing the double pram a few days after surgery. I got an infection 2 weeks after as my stitches didn't dissolve as they should but it was completely painless, removal and antibiotics sorted it. I was okay picking up our 2 and 4 year olds after a few weeks. I didn't drive for 6 weeks but that was only because my husband had that long off work. I'm hoping for a vbac this time but would be happy to go cs again if needed.

MintyCedric · 13/05/2021 00:25

I had an emergency C section with a high BMI.

The first few days were a bit challenging but by day 5 I was doing pretty well and I was able to drive again at 4 weeks.

Chanel05 · 13/05/2021 06:58

Personally, I'd choose the section over induction.

I had a cat 1 emergency section and was bed bound for 5 days, unable to care for my daughter independently. This is extremely uncommon!

Electives are calmer experiences and recovery tends to be lots better, so you should be up and walking about within 24 hours. If you do nothing more than cuddle / feed / change your baby and have cups of tea, you'll heal well

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