Shoulder dystocia

[Mon2468]

Hi all, been having growth scans due to slight polyhydramnios and size of baby, they believe he is larger than average and have offered me an induction at 39 weeks, currently 38+5 to prevent shoulder dystocia which has got me nervous. First baby and was hoping to go naturally which they said they don't have a problem with but said about the risks of nerve damage/brain damage etc if shoulder dystocia did happen so it's made me worry. Just wondering if this happened to anyone and all was ok?

@Mon2468 I get you 100%, I was the same both times, felt incredibly scared the night before my first one, but you'll get through it fine.

Have you got good support afterwards? Family on hand? The hardest thing I found afterwards was getting the hang of breastfeeding and the hormones- the WTF have I done feeling when we got home from hospital 😂 and everything felt so so weird and I wondered if things would feel normal again. But they did 😁

Neither of those things were c section related actually- I was just trying to say that actually, the c-sections were not bad at all and other things stand out in my mind more as being more difficult.

Ah good luck OP! You’ll meet your lovely baby soon!

My top tips are - remember it’s major abdominal surgery and don’t did too much too soon…BUT…it’s remarkable how quickly your body heals itself. And get all the painkillers you need, they can be a bit stingy in my experience!

Yes good tip on painkillers- I didn't need anything other than paracetamol and ibuprofen after the first day and was honestly fine. My midwife reminded me to space them out- not take both paracetamol and ibuprofen in one go but to spread out so I was always topped up with one or the other. She also said to take them even if I thought I felt fine- I forgot and she was right! I can't remember how long I kept up with them for... youngest is 7 now and it seems hazy.... maybe 4/5 days? Might have been longer.

@BellatrixOnABadDay yeah have good support so that's a bonus 😊 I just hate the thought of being in hospital although who does? Hope we both are ok to get out the next day!
@FavouriteFortnight thank you 😁,

I discharged myself after one night with my second- I didn't want to stay in two nights with my first but they strongly encouraged it- there was no need though!

I was offered an induction at 39 wks due to baby being large on scans. I opted for a section which was booked for 39 wks but went into labour the day before! I had an emergency section and even though I had a large bleed (rare) they sorted me so quickly and it was my favourite birth!!

Post op: TAKE PEPPERMINT CAPSULES. The pain in my shoulder from the trapped wind from the surgery was worse than the pain of the section afterwards!!! You can get them from boots, Asda etc.
Take all the pain relief you can have and keep it up for a week at least
Large knickers in a size bigger than usual
Dark coloured nighties in case you have any blood on them
Socks to keep your feet warm in hospital
Get your other half to bring you some snacks and water and magazines
Enjoy it, be present in the moment, my section was my utter favourite birth after two vaginal deliveries and it did me so much good staying in hospital to just bond with my baby

I've had 3 sections. I agree, keep on top of your painkillers and don't try to do too much too soon. Peppermint for trapped wind pain and also lots of liquid/ orange juice to avoid constipation. Slip on shoes like crocs are handy.

The first part of the op is quite quick. Hopefully you can then have baby on your chest for skin to skin while they are sewing you up. Then you are usually in the recovery room for a while with your partner which is a nice calm moment for the 3 of you together before going to the ward. I stayed in 2 nights for my first two and 1 night for the third (because the mum opposite was driving me insane).

My recoveries were smooth and my scar is barely visible several years on.
Good luck!

@ChristmasAtHogwarts what weight was your baby? I read about peppermint tea never knew about capsules. I've kinda been constipated this full pregnancy which I think is from the vitamins the midwife gave at first appointment. Sorry to hear about your bleed that must've been scary, it's stuff like that I fear

Thanks @fruitpastille .. forgot I'll be transferred to another word with other mums, hopefully it's quiet enough to rest 😂

Take ear plugs

@Mon2468 not sure if it's an option for you but I paid to have my own room when I had my second baby, I had my first at a different hospital and they gave me my own room anyway! It made a real difference, not being on a bay with other women and babies. Much more peace and privacy. Perhaps see if it's an option?

@BellatrixOnABadDay I doubt it where I'm going but I do plan on taking in a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts for the midwife's so maybe that'll sweeten them up 😂

Good luck OP. A planned CS is usually a very controlled, peaceful process.

Good luck!

Thanks both. Nerves have kicked in 🙈

It's worst before you go in. You'll be surprised how easy it is.

@Mon2468 hope you're getting on ok and all has gone well

Good luck OP. you’ve made the right choice. Induction increases the chance of SD, I didn’t have that, but I did have forceps and loads of intervention after induction. I would always wait for natural labour or go straight to CS.

I had two and they were a breeze. ( EC)

Thank you all. Now have a beautiful baby boy 💙 the thought is definitely scarier than the reality I was a mess until I got in to hospital and settled. Quite sore today but just keeping on top of pain relief, waiting to be discharged later 😀

Congratulations OP!

Were the weight predictions accurate?

Congratulations! How much did he weigh?!

Congrats xx

Oh congrats @Mon2468 💙 on your beautiful son. So glad it went well and good luck for a speedy recovery x

Thanks all ❤️ he was 8lbs 11 x