ELCS tomorrow

[ChristmasAtHogwarts]

I’m getting really nervous!

I’ll be 39 wks tomorrow and having a section for medical reasons.

I’m scared of going into labour before tomorrow and I’m also scared of the actual procedure!!

I’ll be okay with the recovery I think as I’ve had such severe SPD the whole pregnancy.

Please can anyone tell me a nice elcs story or send positive vibes please!!

I was terrified if the spinal block in case I could feel pain . It’s silly as you are awake and could tell them. The doctor said “we will have this baby out in 5 minutes and they did . They asked everyone to be quiet as baby came out . Once he was out I never really noticed the rest . I was out of bed that evening and recovery was good . My best tip is to make sure your pants don’t catch on the staples! Good luck x

Yes that’s been a fear of mine too. Or feeling like I can’t breathe. I definitely have massive pants up to my boobs!! Thank you

I've had 2 c-sections. 1st was much better than I expected but 2nd didn't go to plan and was completely different.

My 1st elcs at 38wk I really didn't want but I had breech and transverse twins. It was a really calm procedure and easy pain free recovery.
2nd elcs was booked for 39wk but I went in to labour the day before my booking. Over 20 hours labour before they got me in to theater. I had scar rupture due to baby being very big (4.96kg) and lost a lot of blood. I had low blood pressure and iron but a high heart rate and felt pretty crappy with lots of pain. I did heal up though, I did over 2 mile walk with the pram 2.5wk pp and was back in the gym weightlifting at 10wk pp.
Periods after the latest really knocked me for 6, hoping that improves as it all heals up fully (almost 13wk pp now).

Good luck with yours

Ohh thank you! I will be at the hospital first thing tomorrow so hopefully I won’t go into labour between now and then!! Thank you for replying

I had a planned c section a month ago and honestly the actual procedure was so calm and positive. I had my eyes closed the whole time (until baby was here!) and practised the deep breathing I had learnt when I was planning a vaginal birth to keep me calm as I was nervous. I understand how surreal it is to sit at home knowing tomorrow you will have your baby but it really was a wonderful experience. Good luck!

I haven't had a c section, just wanted to wish you all the best. How exciting!

My waters broke a couple of weeks before my planned c - section date but I didn't have any contractions. Spent the night in the ward and had the ELCS the next morning. The staff went round the room to introduce themselves and the whole thing was calm and peaceful. It was honestly a good experience. Good luck!

I've had 2, one mandatory as I had placenta pervia and one elective. Both went really well. The spinal bit is the worst. Once that's done it's it minutes till you meet your little one. Big knickers and keep to you pain killer schedule and you'll be fine. If you arr going in first thing be prepared to wait a bit in hospital. They usually have a few sections booked in and you might also have to wait for any emergency c sections to be done. Oh, and extra long phone cable too so your phone doesn't run out of battery after 1000 snaps of little one. Good luck!

I loved my ELCS it was so calm
Spinal didn't hurt at all only when she was pressing around my back the actual needle I didn't feel
DD was bought straight to my chest and was only moved when I requested it as I was struggling to hold her in that position and she went to DH
Recovery wise perfect absolutely perfect! I was sick for a few hours after but I had hyperemisis all through my pregnancy so that wasn't a surprise
The heaving didn't hurt my scar too much
I was up and showering about 6 hrs after birth
Catheter stayed in as was dehydrated but was removed at midnight at my request
DD was born 9am
I managed to wee straight away and had no problems there
Removed dressing in shower next morning and was home by 11am
I was up back to normal pretty much straight away keep up with paracetamol and ibuprofen though
The worst part was probably the injections I had to have for 7 days afterwards
DH had to do them and they did hurt and I had multiple bruises from them
However it was a small price to pay and if I ever have another baby I'd choose ELCS in a heartbeat
Good luck op how exciting!

Thank you so much for all the good luck wishes I am teary tonight and just hoping she decides to stay put until tomorrow!!

As everyone else said, an ELCS is really chilled. They've done loads between them. And they do say hello when the baby comes out, mine still had a warm welcoming atmosphere despite being in theatre.
Recovery is OK if you rest in the early days, there's no prizes for getting to the shops or the park.
Hope it all goes well tomorrow.

Just want to second the advice about taking the pain relief after. I was advised to stay ahead of the pain and take them on time, not wait for the pain to get too much and it really helped.

Thanks, I definitely will as I’m a bit of a pain in the arse for taking tablets!! Did the pain relief make you feel drowsy or tired? I’m kind of worried about staying in hospital alone for 1/2 nights with a newborn on my own!!

I had an ELCS and it was a really positive and calm experience, the anesthesiologist was sat next to me and was really helpful, at one point I felt nauseous and I told him and he said it was blood pressure related and in less than a minute he had fixed it, I really struggled with pants that were comfortable and could accommodate a pad and a maternity nurse advised me to borrow DP's boxers which were completely brilliant and I wore them for a few weeks afterward. Hope you manage some sleep tonight.

@ChristmasAtHogwarts I’m having an ELCS on Friday at 39+1… here tonight as I’m worrying too. Everything I’ve read (and there has been a lot!) has been really positive.

What is it that you are most worried about? I’m worried about the spinal and the cannula rather than the actual procedure. I’m not great with needles. I also work in the Trust where I’ll be having her (not clinical or medical) so worried about embarrassing myself!

I had such a great experience with my section. It was so relaxed and calm. The anesthetist will talk you through everything and constantly checks you are OK and if you need anything.
I had a fear of needles but didn't even know the spinal went in. I hugged a pillow, thought about my babies and did a deep breathing (count 4 in, 4 out).
I hate cannulas but didn't even notice them once my babies were out. I asked how soon I could get them out and they said once I had done 3 decent weeks so I drank sooo much water and got them out ASAP.

Make sure you have your phone ready for lots of pics!

Tips for recovery:
Just make sure you take your painkillers at regular intervals. I took painkillers for just over 2 weeks.
I took a pillow and on the way home put the pillow between my stomach and the seat belt.
Take it nice and easy.
I continued to use the antiseptic wash on my scar and never got an infection.
Arnica tablets can help with the internal swelling and bruising.

Just use your buzzer to get the nurses to help you pick baby up.

Wishing you all the best and enjoy meeting your little one

Aah it's such an exciting time OP, I hope you get some sleep tonight. My DD was by ELCS almost a year ago now. It was a lovely experience. The spinal is fine and when it kicks in I found it felt quite nice to feel my legs going heavy. You should be well looked after, the anesthesatists I've met have all been wonderful. Good luck tomorrow and enjoy meeting your little one.

Thank you all so much for all the lovely things you’ve said and well wishes!! Tonight I am just hoping I make it to the morning as I think I’ve been losing some of my mucus plug today (but have also been doing a lot so maybe it’s just heavy discharge? Sorry tmi) also I haven’t been to the loo for a number 2.. does that matter? I obviously tried to go regularly with my vaginal births but no one tells you if you need to with a section!!

The pain relief after was paracetamol and ibruprofen so no didn’t feel drowsy. They gave me a strong pain relief suppository as I left theatre but that didn’t make me drowsy either. I found it hard not being able to pick my baby up or change his nappy but do just buzz your buzzer for help as they expect you to!

Good luck for tomorrow @ChristmasAtHogwarts. I'm booked for an ELCS so have no experience but can appreciate the anxiety.

Good luck to @Randomness12 too and remember the team are medical professionals and will have seen/heard all kinds and are also bound by the same rules of confidentiality for you as any other patient. Not that I think you need to worry about embarrassing yourself!

My waters have broken and I’m in hospital waiting for an emergency section

I had the same, don't panic. It's classed as emergency because it's not happening on your scheduled day but mine was still very calm and panic free.

@ChristmasAtHogwarts Good Luck! I hope everything goes.okay for you x

All went well!!

Baby is here and she is fine!

Congratulations, op! I've got mine on Thursday, firmly crossing my legs until then ;) any last minute tips?