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Original poster

Elective c-section at UCLH

12 replies

CJStar · 20/07/2023 09:29

I'm down for an elective c section at UCLH and am nearly 38 weeks, they said the section would be around 39 weeks. I still haven't heard anything about the date of my op though. I received a letter a while ago saying it would be the week beginning 31st July and they would give me an exact date 2 weeks beforehand,so I know I'm in the system. Has anyone had elective c section at UCLH , how long before your date did you find out? Getting anxious now!

OP posts:
Mara21Liv · 20/08/2023 17:39

Hi! I was looking for some information about c section at UCLH and saw post, do you mind sharing when you had your c section? And why they did not give you a date a week before…
thank you 😊

Original poster
CJStar · 20/08/2023 21:11

Hi! Yes in the end I found a number to call and I spoke to someone the week before I was due to have the c section. They told me they hadn't yet contacted me because they weren't sure if it would be on the Tuesday or the Wednesday of that week and they wanted to be sure before they contacted me. They then confirmed the day at the end of the week, so it was all quite last minute but once I knew it was definitely happening on one of those two days I felt less anxious. Hope that helps!

OP posts:
Mara21Liv · 22/08/2023 07:35

thank you for replying! And congratulations 😊
I found it stressful, they have given me a week, but I hate not knowing and seems like they keep it to really last minute. I have a toddler and it would be massive help to know exactly when. Hope the C section went well for you.
Thanks again x

GreenPalmTree · 22/08/2023 09:47

Hi @CJStar I hope you and your baby are well. I hope you don’t mind a couple of questions -

  1. how was the postnatal experience for the c-section?
  2. did you have any choice regarding the consultant or doctor involved with your c-section?
  3. I have read that UCLH sometimes refer elective c-sections to the Whittington Hospital, did that come up in conversation for you?

Any insight you have would be great as I am currently considering my birth options.

Original poster
CJStar · 22/08/2023 12:06

@Mara21Liv thank you!
I was exactly the same, I have an older child and I just wanted to get my plans in place for childcare. I hope they let you know soon. In the end, the c section was a really positive experience for me and it went smoothly so I was really glad I chose this option. I hope it goes the same for you.

OP posts:
Original poster
CJStar · 22/08/2023 12:29

@GreenPalmTree we are doing well thank you!
I found the recovery has gone better than expected. I was worried I would be bed bound for days but actually after the first few days I was up and about at home. I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights and then felt ready to come home.I would just say to keep on top of your pain medication. The incision has healed surprising quickly though.

I didn't meet the consultant until I was in theatre. I met one of the other surgeons on the team while I was waiting to go into theatre. He explained everything and answered my many questions! I was low risk though and the c section was my choice due to previous birth trauma. I'm not sure if it would be different if you were considered high risk.

Regarding the Whittington, apparently this is very rare they do this. I asked about it and they said they would let me know about a month before if this was going to be the case. If you are selected to go there I don't think you have any choice but as I said I think it is quite unlikely.

When I was about 35 weeks ( I think) I attended a zoom q and a session with some midwives, which I would definitely recommend. Lots of questions came up about c sections and the midwives were really informative. Just ask your midwife about attending and they can send you a link.

Hope that helps Smile
Good luck with it all!

OP posts:
GreenPalmTree · 22/08/2023 18:26

Many thanks CJStar that’s really helpful. Thanks for sharing!

Saonli · 03/01/2025 20:41

Hi may I know did you have to ask for any specific painkillers post C-section or it was provided by the doctors at UCLH as I know initially the pain would be quite sharp and may not be controlled with paracetamol or ibuprofen

Saonli · 03/01/2025 20:42

@CJStar

Original poster
CJStar · 04/01/2025 09:18

Hi, when you first come out they definitely give stronger painkillers, I think it was morphine and something else. They will ask you how you are doing with the pain and you can ask for more if you need it. When you go home I think it’s paracetamol, ibuprofen and one other I can’t remember the name of. That combination worked well for me. Good luck with your c section!

OP posts:
Saonli · 04/01/2025 10:11

@CJStar Thank you so much

HavingFaith · 08/04/2025 12:22

@CJStar hello! Sorry to ask you another question about your experience - but do you remember what time you had to arrive at hospital on the day of your c-section?
we are also due to have an elective section at UCLH but just wanting to plan childcare for my toddler!
Hope you and your little one are well xx

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