Consumed with worry - elective c section

[Worryworry887]

Wondering if anyone can offer some solidarity here - or can talk me down and remind me my fears are irrational! I’m 38 weeks pregnant with a very healthy, very active baby girl, following 2 early miscarriages. I also have a 3 year old born by EMCS. I have an elective c section booked for the 16th as had an EMCS before and didn’t want to go through that again, also have heard great stories about electives and how calm they are. I suffer with mild anxiety about some things, but this pregnancy has been very anxious I think due to miscarriages. I’m finding I’m consumed with worry and dread about the c section, but the worry is all around the baby, I am having intrusive thoughts hourly that she will come out not breathing, or still born, will need recusitation, basically that I won’t go home with a baby . I can’t get excited about it, or plan, and hate it when other people are excited,I’ve even gone so far as to rehearse what I will say to family waiting at home, and my 3 year old when We don’t go home with a baby. Haven’t mentioned this to consultant as suppose I’m a bit embarrassed. Strangely, all the things that people tend to worry about with c section, infection, spinal, injuries I’m not worried about, just the health of the baby. Please tell me this is silly, it’s ruining my mat leave and remember being so chilled out about things with my firstborn! I keep thinking back to last Christmas amd how upset I was following a miscarriage and think this Christmas will be the same. Any doctors there who can explain that realistically, issues with a baby born at 39 weeks via c section who is fine on scans is really rare, any tips on dealing with these feelings and don’t know how I’m going to get through the next week! 😢 I can’t find any threads on mumsnet with people with similar worries, all c section worries seems to be around the op itself, maybe because I’m mad! Haha

I’m not going to call you silly because your fears are real and must be very difficult and “silly” implies you’re somehow behaving unreasonable BUT your fears are not rational. The chances of a baby being still born at 38 weeks in a healthy pregnancy with no indications of a problem are TINY. It does unfortunately happen on occasion but hardly ever and the chances of it happening to you are very very small.

I can’t give you stats as I’m not a doctor but I’m sure if you mention this at your appointment you will get some reassurance as the overwhelming likelihood is your baby will be absolutely fine.

Good luck and enjoy your baby

Thank - you for replying. The thing is, rationally, I know I’m being ridiculous but can’t stop worrying, it’s exhausting 🤣

@Worryworry887 I can’t give you any advice as I’m suffering similarly. I’m 37 weeks pregnant and I’m also having horiffic, recurrent thoughts about the worst case scenario and not coming home with a baby. It’s so torturous and my mind is running wild with all of these painful thoughts that I might not have a health baby in my arms. I’m being induced at 38 weeks.

I wish I could offer you comfort. But I just want you to know that I know how hard it is and that you’re not alone. You’re nearly there now xxx

Please, talk to a professional. You need to be on top form for bub and that means mentally too!

Thankyou @TTC94, im sorry you are feeling like this as well, comforting to have someone understand. I might mention it at my meeting with the consultant next week, maybe they can do things during the op, like talk me through what is happening etc. @SnowdropFox this is another thing I’m concerned about, hoping the worry will go away once she’s here but it might not!