Elective section experiences

[LittlemissMama67]

Hello, bit of a long one..

so I'm scheduled in for an elective section on the 16th of September (39 weeks)

I had an emergency section last time, I have low Papp-a issues with my thyroid and pregnancy induced hypertension.. im being seen weekly to watch out for preeclampsia but it's been pretty stable the last month or so sitting at around 130/88

i know it's so neiche because every pregnancy is different I guess what I'm asking is what was your experience in general with an elective, was it positive?

if you've had a similar pregnancy what was the outcome?

the consultant just called and although she was positive she did say we will keep our fingers crossed for your date, but if your blood pressure goes up we may have to bring it forward, and it's thrown my off a bit.

im sure this makes no sense

Emcs for first with a very very poorly baby, planned C Sec with twins.
It was more nerve wracking because I had time to think about it, vs needing one as I was having contractions with a distressed baby.
All in all much more relaxed, I have awesome photos of babies being pulled out which obv wouldn't have been appropriate with first pregnancy.
Days changing is unnerving but just make sure you're packed bad ready. I had DTwins at 36 weeks.

No experience on the rest I'm sorry

That's something I'm a little nervous about, with my first c-section I had a failed induction. When they said I'd be having a c-section the next morning I had a flown blown mental breakdown, cried hysterically panic attack. I came down for my section and they said they were going to have one more attempt at breaking my waters, they did manage to and I ended up labouring for 10 hours before an emergency section at almost midnight because of heart rates... it was a mess but when you're in the thick of it you don't even have a chance to be scared.

this time I know I'm counting down the days to be cut open which I do think is more nerve wracking. I know I'm gonna be of totally sound mind when they do my spinal where as last time I was already in so much pain I didn't care. I just think with 9 weeks to go I'm okay but when it starts getting closer I'm going to really start to panic

Sorry to hear about your last experience, that can't have been easy for you!

I know every experience is different but my experience with an elective c-section was very positive. Although you feel apprehension, there is something good about knowing you can be prepared and sleep (hopefully) and rest in the days before it. I'm not sure where you are but in the UK, if everything is otherwise going smoothly with you and baby, they encourage an enhanced recovery after c-section. Believe it or not they'll be encouraging you out of bed as soon as your spinal wears off and this helps with quick recovery.

One piece of advice is that if you feel very apprehensive on the day, speak up when the doctor/anaesthetist comes round as they will consider putting you first in the queue. This way if there are a few women scheduled on your day, you won't have to sit with your nerves and wait.

When it comes to the procedure itself, they'll talk you through everything and you'll find the organisation and calm of it all like night and day to your emergency c-section. Try to relax and breathe like you would during labour and remember in 20 minutes you'll have your baby in your arms.

Keep us posted, you'll do amazingly 😊

I have had one ventouse delivery which was horrific and fought very hard for an Elective CS with DC2. It was great, so calm, a very positive experience. Had another elective with dc3 which was even better, I remember all the staff in the theatre cheering when dd was delivered, which was so lovely.

I would really recommend as ELCS, I was up and about the next day, far less pain than with my first birth. The recovery was much easier and quicker after the CS.

Best of luck to you!