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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Planned c section

33 replies

Mrswang · 21/07/2023 18:20

Hi Everyone due to baby being small and concerns about her growth I'm having a planned section next weds , my first was an emergency section and my second,third and fourth babies were vbacs and this one is going to be a section , can I ask for people's experiences on a planned section and how was the spinal bit because it's the spinal block bit that's actually making me anxious I'm not scared of needles it's more because it's in my back and where it's going etc so how was it for you ? Will it hurt etc I really do not remember much about my first ever section because it was an emergency, I know baby is going to be small and neo natal team will be on standby but obviously after they've checked her over and she's ok and continues to be ok then baby will stay with me and all being well with us both we get to go home 24 hours after the section obviously my concern is baby girl being healthy and born safely so I'm not going to rush the going home bit like I won't be pressuring them to discharge us if their not happy etc . So does anyone have any experiences they'd like to share ? I've also got herniated disc/s in my back so will that cause any major problems with the spinal ? As obviously the spinal is scary for me but a general would be even more scarier.

OP posts:
YallaYallaaa · 21/07/2023 18:26

Ive had two ELCSs in similar circumstances, one a few months ago.

The spinal isn’t great fun, but it’s fine. First they use numbing cream, then they give a small injection of local anaesthetic. So by the time of the actual spinal thing it’s just a bit uncomfortable. The key thing is to stay still, and both times I’ve had a lovely nurse holding my hands and talking to me to keep me steady and calm.

The neonate team have been in both times but I was hardly aware of them - they look at the baby and if they’re ok (thankfully both of mine were) they disappear again. Both times I had almost immediate skin to skin and fed while being stitched.

This time around I was out in less than 24hs which amazed me (first baby was super small so we stayed 3 days). Recovery has been quick and easy.

good luck!

StuntNun · 21/07/2023 18:40

I felt the needle going in as the same as somebody pressing their knuckle hard into my back, it was a pressure rather than a pain. I have a very low pain threshold and it was honestly fine and didn't take long. I sat on the operating table with my legs hanging over the side while they did it and was able to chat to the anaesthetist's assistant during the procedure. Then I lay down on the bed for the section and didn't feel anything apart from some tugging of my entire body down the table as they were pulling him out (he decided to come out butt first!) I have a degenerate disc in my spine but it's right at the top of the lumbar area so below where the needle goes in. It certainly didn't stop the spinal block being effective. How many weeks are you going to be when they do the section?

I also had two deliveries under general anaesthetic and I would urge you to go for the spinal block. It's much better to be awake. You can hear the surgical team talking as they do the section although you don't understand much as it's technical jargon. Your baby will be whisked away to be checked over but you may still hear the first cry and they will let you have a quick peek and maybe a cuddle if it's safe to do so, depending on the AGPAR score. When I had my general anaesthetics, I woke up confused and disoriented and it seems to take a while for your brain to get going again. With my first, I woke up convinced the baby had died during delivery and I couldn't understand why my husband was holding a baby. Also, with a general anaesthetic nobody else can be in the room with you so, with mine, neither me nor my husband were present at the births, I mean, I was "present" but unconscious. With the spinal block I was able to have my mother-in-law in the room with me the whole time (my husband was out of the country at the time and missed the whole thing!)

In my case the baby was five weeks early so he was tiny (4lb 14oz) but I had the injection to mature his lungs before they did the section and he was able to breathe on his own with just a little bit of time in and out of the incubator on the first day to keep his oxygen levels up. His blood glucose dropped and my milk didn't come in fast enough so he had a couple of syringes of donor breast milk (which I asked for instead of formula as two of his siblings have dairy allergy.) I don't know whether you're planning to breastfeed but if you are, it might be worth trying to harvest some colostrum in advance as milk can take a little longer to come in after a section.

Original poster
Mrswang · 21/07/2023 18:54

StuntNun · 21/07/2023 18:40

I felt the needle going in as the same as somebody pressing their knuckle hard into my back, it was a pressure rather than a pain. I have a very low pain threshold and it was honestly fine and didn't take long. I sat on the operating table with my legs hanging over the side while they did it and was able to chat to the anaesthetist's assistant during the procedure. Then I lay down on the bed for the section and didn't feel anything apart from some tugging of my entire body down the table as they were pulling him out (he decided to come out butt first!) I have a degenerate disc in my spine but it's right at the top of the lumbar area so below where the needle goes in. It certainly didn't stop the spinal block being effective. How many weeks are you going to be when they do the section?

I also had two deliveries under general anaesthetic and I would urge you to go for the spinal block. It's much better to be awake. You can hear the surgical team talking as they do the section although you don't understand much as it's technical jargon. Your baby will be whisked away to be checked over but you may still hear the first cry and they will let you have a quick peek and maybe a cuddle if it's safe to do so, depending on the AGPAR score. When I had my general anaesthetics, I woke up confused and disoriented and it seems to take a while for your brain to get going again. With my first, I woke up convinced the baby had died during delivery and I couldn't understand why my husband was holding a baby. Also, with a general anaesthetic nobody else can be in the room with you so, with mine, neither me nor my husband were present at the births, I mean, I was "present" but unconscious. With the spinal block I was able to have my mother-in-law in the room with me the whole time (my husband was out of the country at the time and missed the whole thing!)

In my case the baby was five weeks early so he was tiny (4lb 14oz) but I had the injection to mature his lungs before they did the section and he was able to breathe on his own with just a little bit of time in and out of the incubator on the first day to keep his oxygen levels up. His blood glucose dropped and my milk didn't come in fast enough so he had a couple of syringes of donor breast milk (which I asked for instead of formula as two of his siblings have dairy allergy.) I don't know whether you're planning to breastfeed but if you are, it might be worth trying to harvest some colostrum in advance as milk can take a little longer to come in after a section.

Hi thanks for your reply I'll be 36+3 and I've had my first dose of steroid injection today I will have the second tomorrow, their estimating her weight to be 4lbs something so obviously small, I'm unsure where my herniated discs are but fingers crossed they won't affect anything, im planning on formula feeding if I'm honest so will have the premade bottles ready .

OP posts:
Original poster
Mrswang · 21/07/2023 18:59

YallaYallaaa · 21/07/2023 18:26

Ive had two ELCSs in similar circumstances, one a few months ago.

The spinal isn’t great fun, but it’s fine. First they use numbing cream, then they give a small injection of local anaesthetic. So by the time of the actual spinal thing it’s just a bit uncomfortable. The key thing is to stay still, and both times I’ve had a lovely nurse holding my hands and talking to me to keep me steady and calm.

The neonate team have been in both times but I was hardly aware of them - they look at the baby and if they’re ok (thankfully both of mine were) they disappear again. Both times I had almost immediate skin to skin and fed while being stitched.

This time around I was out in less than 24hs which amazed me (first baby was super small so we stayed 3 days). Recovery has been quick and easy.

good luck!

They said to me if everything goes well and with feeding etc we can go home in 24 hours to I'm glad everything went well for you .

OP posts:
FoodFann · 21/07/2023 19:08

My ELCS was wonderful, the spinal was not painful at all. I kept waiting for the painful part of the whole experience but it never came. 10/10 would recommend.

Btw, if you really do feel well enough, and are planning to go home within 24 hours, make sure every midwife you see knows that. Remind them after 20 hours that you ARE leaving and need your discharge papers and meds. (Although paracetamol was fine for me). 4 hours might just about be long enough for them to grab them for you. It took my nurse 5 hours, and that was because we started to leave without them.

lillyfox · 21/07/2023 19:09

I also had a planned c section back in April this year, I have issues with my discs in my lower back so like you I was very anxious about the spinal more than anything else. Even now I'm not sure why, but the thought just went through me but, Like PP have said I had a lovely midwife, to support me and it really wasn't bad at all. I would say Momentary discomfort but not pain, and it was over so quickly.
Good luck! Smile

georges1878 · 21/07/2023 19:12

I have such a low pain threshold and also hate hate hateeee needles, and honestly it was absolutely fine! I'm having another section in a few months and it's not something I'm worried about :) you got this!

Coconut212 · 21/07/2023 19:17

Never felt a thing, I leaned over a pillow sitting up totally chilled my section was a great experience

NapoliTutti · 21/07/2023 19:21

Yeah i had two e-c secs and was waiting for it to be painful and it just wasnt. it feels like a little scratch then pressure so no big problem. My pain threshold is not the best with stuff like this so thats an honest assessment, hope that help. Good luck :). X

BluNomad · 21/07/2023 19:24

I had an elective & honestly there was zero pain with spinal block, I felt it but it didn’t hurt at all, the whole procedure was calm & I felt we were safe

Original poster
Mrswang · 22/07/2023 13:34

lillyfox · 21/07/2023 19:09

I also had a planned c section back in April this year, I have issues with my discs in my lower back so like you I was very anxious about the spinal more than anything else. Even now I'm not sure why, but the thought just went through me but, Like PP have said I had a lovely midwife, to support me and it really wasn't bad at all. I would say Momentary discomfort but not pain, and it was over so quickly.
Good luck! Smile

Did they manage to get the spinal in ok ? I'm so nervous that they won't be able to or that the spinal work because of the discs .

OP posts:
Original poster
Mrswang · 22/07/2023 13:35

BluNomad · 21/07/2023 19:24

I had an elective & honestly there was zero pain with spinal block, I felt it but it didn’t hurt at all, the whole procedure was calm & I felt we were safe

I don't feel unsafe as such it's the just the spinal bit that's really worrying me x

OP posts:
Original poster
Mrswang · 22/07/2023 13:36

NapoliTutti · 21/07/2023 19:21

Yeah i had two e-c secs and was waiting for it to be painful and it just wasnt. it feels like a little scratch then pressure so no big problem. My pain threshold is not the best with stuff like this so thats an honest assessment, hope that help. Good luck :). X

For me it's where the injection is going more than the injection itself if I'm making sense.x

OP posts:
Original poster
Mrswang · 22/07/2023 13:37

georges1878 · 21/07/2023 19:12

I have such a low pain threshold and also hate hate hateeee needles, and honestly it was absolutely fine! I'm having another section in a few months and it's not something I'm worried about :) you got this!

Thank you , I really hope I have got it lol x

OP posts:
Greybeardy · 22/07/2023 13:38

Disc problems don’t usually cause any problems for spinal anaesthesia.

Original poster
Mrswang · 22/07/2023 13:39

Sorry for the late replies everyone I'm literally back and forth the hospital yesterday was when I had the news they wanted her out and I had my first dose of steroids, then monitoring, I've had my second dose this morning and I'm back in tomorrow for monitoring, then Tuesday pre op and monitoring then weds is the big day x

OP posts:
Lavender14 · 22/07/2023 13:55

I had a planned section with ds. It was a really good experience for me. I watched a few videos of seconds from some positive birth platforms and read up a lot and envisioned it and that all helped me feel quite prepared in terms of what to expect.

I went in that morning early and did a covid test and then we were waiting to be called (it felt like being at the airport). We were first up because of my diabetes so I'd bring something with you to distract you. I made a playlist for the birth during that time for example.

Then we were taken into a ward and prepped for the surgery. The anesthetist will come and meet you and talk you through everything and answer any questions and you get a gown and stockings. (Bring slippers and a dressing gown because it's open at the back and you need to walk to the theatre) then they went through my birth plan with me (I'd suggest doing one for your section).

Went into the theatre, everyone introduced themselves and what their role was. There were about 8-10 people so quite a few but all were absolutely lovely. You sit up on the bed and try to bend over and arch your back out as much as you can. The anesthetist will give you a numbing injection first (I used my hypnobirthing breathing from this moment on and it helped me stay calm) and once you're already numb then they give you the spinal injection. I remember it being more uncomfortable than painful. I needed it done 3 times because they didn't get the right spot and when that happened I got like an electric shock sensation ran up my back (made me jump a bit but nothing drastic) I'd read that could happen so I was prepared for it which helped a lot. Once they get the right place it doesn't hurt, you just feel a heat starting to spread and then you need to lie back on the bed quickly before you lose control. It kicks in really fast. But they talk you through every single step so you know exactly what's happening and they will go at your pace (I'm terrified of needles and they were very reassuring as I'd noted that in my birth plan).

They then check that it's worked by using an ice cube to check your sensations. And then when they know its all OK, they insert the catheter and put up the curtain and get you prepped. They didn't actually let my dh in until first cut was made I guess because they want to make sure everything is going smoothly before they add a new person to the room.

No pain whatsoever, just feels like someone is moving around in your tummy it's strange more than anything. The anesthetist will sit up beside your head with your birthing partner and talk you through what you're feeling and hearing and generally try to distract you. You can start to feel sick when the anesthesia kicks in but they will just monitor that and adjust it which helps immediately so you just tell them exactly what you're experiencing.

It was super quick, I think it was about 10 minutes from first cut until ds was out screaming. I was fully prepared because sometimes babies born by csection need a bit more help with breathing.

Then they placed him straight on my chest and closed everything up. As they were finishing they took dh and ds out into the recovery room and they got skin to skin time which I was cleaned up etc and that took about 5/10 mins. Then I was brought into recovery and we got our golden hour and I was helped to breastfeed before being moved to the ward to recover an hour later.

You've lots of choice, you can choose to have music in the room (I'd recommend it, I forgot my music and after dh and ds went out I wished I'd had it) you can ask for the room to be dimmer/quieter as baby comes out. You can ask for them to be given to you before being wiped down and weighed etc. You can watch them coming out, ask for delayed cord clamping, what happens to your placenta and what you want to happen if you can't have skin to skin immediately etc. I'd focus on trying to build a birth plan you feel happy with because it makes you feel more in control. And bring snacks for when you're back on the ward!

It was such a lovely experience for us I'd not be anywhere near as nervous going in if we're lucky enough to have a number 2!

Original poster
Mrswang · 22/07/2023 14:18

Really? I have tried reading about it but can't find anything, I thought that it may cause trouble with the spinal going in or making it not work if they've injected into the part that's herniated etc

OP posts:
Original poster
Mrswang · 22/07/2023 14:19

Lavender14 · 22/07/2023 13:55

I had a planned section with ds. It was a really good experience for me. I watched a few videos of seconds from some positive birth platforms and read up a lot and envisioned it and that all helped me feel quite prepared in terms of what to expect.

I went in that morning early and did a covid test and then we were waiting to be called (it felt like being at the airport). We were first up because of my diabetes so I'd bring something with you to distract you. I made a playlist for the birth during that time for example.

Then we were taken into a ward and prepped for the surgery. The anesthetist will come and meet you and talk you through everything and answer any questions and you get a gown and stockings. (Bring slippers and a dressing gown because it's open at the back and you need to walk to the theatre) then they went through my birth plan with me (I'd suggest doing one for your section).

Went into the theatre, everyone introduced themselves and what their role was. There were about 8-10 people so quite a few but all were absolutely lovely. You sit up on the bed and try to bend over and arch your back out as much as you can. The anesthetist will give you a numbing injection first (I used my hypnobirthing breathing from this moment on and it helped me stay calm) and once you're already numb then they give you the spinal injection. I remember it being more uncomfortable than painful. I needed it done 3 times because they didn't get the right spot and when that happened I got like an electric shock sensation ran up my back (made me jump a bit but nothing drastic) I'd read that could happen so I was prepared for it which helped a lot. Once they get the right place it doesn't hurt, you just feel a heat starting to spread and then you need to lie back on the bed quickly before you lose control. It kicks in really fast. But they talk you through every single step so you know exactly what's happening and they will go at your pace (I'm terrified of needles and they were very reassuring as I'd noted that in my birth plan).

They then check that it's worked by using an ice cube to check your sensations. And then when they know its all OK, they insert the catheter and put up the curtain and get you prepped. They didn't actually let my dh in until first cut was made I guess because they want to make sure everything is going smoothly before they add a new person to the room.

No pain whatsoever, just feels like someone is moving around in your tummy it's strange more than anything. The anesthetist will sit up beside your head with your birthing partner and talk you through what you're feeling and hearing and generally try to distract you. You can start to feel sick when the anesthesia kicks in but they will just monitor that and adjust it which helps immediately so you just tell them exactly what you're experiencing.

It was super quick, I think it was about 10 minutes from first cut until ds was out screaming. I was fully prepared because sometimes babies born by csection need a bit more help with breathing.

Then they placed him straight on my chest and closed everything up. As they were finishing they took dh and ds out into the recovery room and they got skin to skin time which I was cleaned up etc and that took about 5/10 mins. Then I was brought into recovery and we got our golden hour and I was helped to breastfeed before being moved to the ward to recover an hour later.

You've lots of choice, you can choose to have music in the room (I'd recommend it, I forgot my music and after dh and ds went out I wished I'd had it) you can ask for the room to be dimmer/quieter as baby comes out. You can ask for them to be given to you before being wiped down and weighed etc. You can watch them coming out, ask for delayed cord clamping, what happens to your placenta and what you want to happen if you can't have skin to skin immediately etc. I'd focus on trying to build a birth plan you feel happy with because it makes you feel more in control. And bring snacks for when you're back on the ward!

It was such a lovely experience for us I'd not be anywhere near as nervous going in if we're lucky enough to have a number 2!

This is my second section I can't remember my first as it was an emergency one 14 years ago and I was just to I'll and everything was moving so fast, this time I have time to think about and because it's my second worried about going smoothly etc x

OP posts:
Original poster
Mrswang · 22/07/2023 14:20

NapoliTutti · 21/07/2023 19:21

Yeah i had two e-c secs and was waiting for it to be painful and it just wasnt. it feels like a little scratch then pressure so no big problem. My pain threshold is not the best with stuff like this so thats an honest assessment, hope that help. Good luck :). X

Did you second one go smoothly?

OP posts:
lillyfox · 22/07/2023 14:25

They wouldn't do it if it would cause damage, (not in an elective capacity anyway) but because it goes into the fluid as opposed to the discs then it doesn't/ won't affect it. This is what I was told as I felt the same I had extreme concerns as I sometimes lose feeling in One of my legs and I worried I'd have permanent damage. Possibly irrational feelings but I did query it with the anaesthetist before hand and they reassured me it's not a concern of there's so I'm certain you will be fine but raise it with the healthcare professionals I'm certain they will also put your mind at ease.

Original poster
Mrswang · 22/07/2023 14:50

lillyfox · 22/07/2023 14:25

They wouldn't do it if it would cause damage, (not in an elective capacity anyway) but because it goes into the fluid as opposed to the discs then it doesn't/ won't affect it. This is what I was told as I felt the same I had extreme concerns as I sometimes lose feeling in One of my legs and I worried I'd have permanent damage. Possibly irrational feelings but I did query it with the anaesthetist before hand and they reassured me it's not a concern of there's so I'm certain you will be fine but raise it with the healthcare professionals I'm certain they will also put your mind at ease.

I've got my ore op on Tuesday so I will be asking the aneasatist then , consultant told me yesterday that they'd look at my back in my pre op so I'll make sure that they get a proper look and can answer my questions, if I can get over my fears of the spinal I'll be fine x

OP posts:
TinyTeacher · 22/07/2023 15:03

I didn't "like" the spinal, but only because I don't like not being able to see when the needle is going in. Markedly less painful than the steroid injections I'd had a few days before. But of pressure, then a little pinch followed by a really weird sensation like someone had poured cold water down the inside of my skin (only way I can describe it) followed by numbness as they lay me down. It was faster than I realised it would be.

The anaesthetist chatted to me and DH throughout and was very relaxed. If you have any concerns just speak to them - everyonr else is quite busy, but once your injection is done the anaesthetist is relatively free and just keeping an eye on your stats.

There were two things I found mildly unpleasant and wish I'd thought of before:

  • It's cold in an OR and you loose a LOT of body heat. I found the chilliness unpleasant, but there isn't anything you can do about it.
  • The tugging is so strong! It doesn't hurt at all, but again I found ir disconcerting as I hadn't anticipated it. I thought I was going to feel like I'd been hit by a bus once the anaesthetic wore off. Nope, it was fine.

Good luck for Wednesday!

Greybeardy · 22/07/2023 15:25

The discs are on the other side of the spinal column to where the spinal needle is going. If the damage is so bad that your back’s really wonky then it may make it a bit trickier but it’s usually still possible (it’s reassuring if you’ve had a spinal/epidural before). Once the local’s in the spinal fluid the disc problems shouldn’t affect the spread of local. Spinals won’t make a bad back worse due to needle trauma but it is common for women with bad backs to be stiffer/more sore after delivery by any route. There is a small risk of nerve damage with any spinal/epidural, but it’s no more likely with bulging discs than without. Obvs all of this is very general. The anaesthetist looking after you will be able to explain anything more specific to you. HTH

Original poster
Mrswang · 22/07/2023 15:33

Thank you, I'll be back to update you all how it all went when I get a chance.x

OP posts: