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Original poster

C section/recovery

46 replies

Mrsttcno1 · 19/03/2024 17:10

Hi!

So I am now 36 weeks pregnant and have been told we are going to have to have a planned c section due to baby’s size & position.

I don’t know anyone in real life who’s had a c section so I would be really grateful if anyone here who has had one could let me know of positive experiences and really what the recovery is like especially the first couple of weeks?

I was never massively worried at the thought of vaginal child birth but I am absolutely terrified at the thought of having a c section so thought hearing about others experiences might really help me if possible! X

OP posts:
dancingqueen345 · 19/03/2024 17:13

I had an emergency c-section, I don't have anything to compare with, but I found the recovery really straightforward. There's obvious tenderness in the area but as long as you're sensible with what you can and can't do those first few weeks you'll be fine.

I'm pregnant with no.2 and will be opting for an elective c-section!

MumMumMumMumMumMumMum · 19/03/2024 17:14

It was nerve wracking, as any major procedure would be to most people. But a calm experience throughout. Recovery is going to vary. I was very sore for the first couple of weeks and it absolutely baffles me that you're sent home with instructions to take bloody paracetamol! All in all though a good experience, just take it easy afterwards, do not push yourself as you'll definitely overdo it.

mynameiscalypso · 19/03/2024 17:16

I had one and it was great. Super quick recovery - went out for a walk within 48 hours. Hardly any pain especially compared to having my gallbladder out a few years before!

whitenoisemachine · 19/03/2024 17:21

I've had an awful emergency c section with a slow recovery and a good emergency c section with a quick recovery.

Get mobile asap.
Keep on top of pain killers for two weeks, even if you feel you don't need it. You'll regret it if you don't have them.
Don't do too much. You aren't meant to hoover for six weeks or carry washing, so don't. Someone else can. Doing too much will slow your recovery.

First c section I was bed bound for four days and second I was up and having a wash after four hours.

ProjectKettle · 19/03/2024 17:21

Following as I'm 38w and just booked an elective c section as my baby is breech and absolutely refusing to turn (unlike my eldest who had already made her appearance at this point!)

allfurcoatnoknickers · 19/03/2024 17:27

I've had 2 ELCS and the recovery was embarrassingly easy for both. I was achey and uncomfortable, but never in any actual pain. Up and about within 24 hours, in the supermarket doing the weekly shop a week later. It was really fine.

I actually point blank refused a VBAC the second time around, despite being an idal candidate, because I found the c-section such a positive experience.

whitenoisemachine · 19/03/2024 17:29

@allfurcoatnoknickers I refused to vbac at 9cm with my second because I knew what I was getting with a section 😂.

Original poster
Mrsttcno1 · 19/03/2024 17:34

Thank you all so much!! That’s really put my mind at ease to see so many people saying they have had a positive experience and haven’t actually been in total agony for weeks afterwards! X

OP posts:
Original poster
Mrsttcno1 · 19/03/2024 17:35

ProjectKettle · 19/03/2024 17:21

Following as I'm 38w and just booked an elective c section as my baby is breech and absolutely refusing to turn (unlike my eldest who had already made her appearance at this point!)

This is exactly our situation, and she’s measuring too big for the hospital to be prepared to offer an ECV🥲 I’ve tried every trick in the book to get her to turn but she must just be extremely comfy where she is! Good luck with your section! Have they booked you in for 39 weeks? X

OP posts:
Icantbedoingwithit · 19/03/2024 17:40

4 emergency sections. Absolutely fine on each one and recovery was grand too. I agree with getting mobile as soon as you can. It definitely helps. Mine were very positive and I recovered very quickly after each one. You will be fine OP xx

Hiddenvoice · 19/03/2024 17:57

I’m one week post op after having my second planned c section. The whole experience couldn’t have been easier! I won’t lie, some bits are uncomfortable such as the spinal but that’s such a short time and really nothing to be worried about.
Both experiences were very calming, I met the surgeons and anaesthetists first thing and they reassured me. The theatre staff were all lovely, they held my hand and chatted away to me as if I was a life long friend. My dh came in and if honestly felt like minutes before both my babies were born.

Make sure you stay hydrated post surgery and try get up as soon as the midwives suggest. I know it might feel daunting but it will massively help you to start moving as soon as you can. Just small movements and walks will help with your recovery.
Stock up on pain killers just to have to hand.
The first night will feel like a newborn blur but make sure you accept all the help given.

I’m now 6 days post c section and have been out walks, been to shops with my dh and baby and can move easily around my house. I know everyone’s different so don’t push yourself and rest when you can!

Icantbedoingwithit · 19/03/2024 18:04

Hiddenvoice · 19/03/2024 17:57

I’m one week post op after having my second planned c section. The whole experience couldn’t have been easier! I won’t lie, some bits are uncomfortable such as the spinal but that’s such a short time and really nothing to be worried about.
Both experiences were very calming, I met the surgeons and anaesthetists first thing and they reassured me. The theatre staff were all lovely, they held my hand and chatted away to me as if I was a life long friend. My dh came in and if honestly felt like minutes before both my babies were born.

Make sure you stay hydrated post surgery and try get up as soon as the midwives suggest. I know it might feel daunting but it will massively help you to start moving as soon as you can. Just small movements and walks will help with your recovery.
Stock up on pain killers just to have to hand.
The first night will feel like a newborn blur but make sure you accept all the help given.

I’m now 6 days post c section and have been out walks, been to shops with my dh and baby and can move easily around my house. I know everyone’s different so don’t push yourself and rest when you can!

Congratulations!

ProjectKettle · 19/03/2024 18:24

Mrsttcno1 · 19/03/2024 17:35

This is exactly our situation, and she’s measuring too big for the hospital to be prepared to offer an ECV🥲 I’ve tried every trick in the book to get her to turn but she must just be extremely comfy where she is! Good luck with your section! Have they booked you in for 39 weeks? X

Show quote history

Ahh, thats a shame on the ECV! I was originally offered one but then my BP has gone a bit haywire so I've decided to go straight to the section. Im actually booked for 39+5 as that was the earliest slot due to the easter weekend 🥴 My eldest came at 38w so im prepared for it to be done as an emergency if labour starts earlier but hoping to hold on! Good luck to you too! These stubborn breech babies!

Hiddenvoice · 19/03/2024 18:32

Icantbedoingwithit · 19/03/2024 18:04

Congratulations!

Show quote history

Thank you ☺️

tempnameforadvice · 19/03/2024 18:41

It's so very calm and peaceful, recovery was nowhere near as bad as recovery I had with my first which involved massive tears and ruptured piles and all sorts. 10/10 would recommend!!!

Topseyt123 · 19/03/2024 18:56

I had two vaginal births and one emergency c-section.

The recovery from the c-section was much easier and quicker than the recovery from the battering and bruising I got from my traumatic first vaginal delivery. For that I had a large episiotomy and still tore badly. I much preferred the caesarean for that reason.

Echobelly · 19/03/2024 18:57

Had two planned c-sections and found recovery pretty easy. People make out as though you won't be able to pick up a totally normal object for weeks but honestly I think I was moving about pretty normally within a week. Planned is much easier to recover from than an emergency coming on top of hours/days of labour.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 19/03/2024 18:59

The procedure was calm and lovely for me I had a playlist and chatted away- it feels strange like they're having a thorough rummage around in your tummy but no pain.

The worst bit is the first poo

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 19/03/2024 19:00

mynameiscalypso · 19/03/2024 17:16

I had one and it was great. Super quick recovery - went out for a walk within 48 hours. Hardly any pain especially compared to having my gallbladder out a few years before!

I was still hobbling after 48 hours

snackprovidersupreme · 19/03/2024 19:00

I've had two. I was very nervous but they were great experiences. The cannula going in was the worst bit for me and then it was smooth sailing and excellent recoveries.

Great advice on here.
Stay hydrated! While you have a catheter in afterwards, drinking gallons of water will help flush out your system. It'll help start bf if you want.
Pack loads of easily accessible snacks for afterwards for the ward. You'll be very hungry!
If you are ok then try to avoid codeine, because it can cause nasty constipation. Obviously take it if you need it! Everyone has a different pain threshold.
Take a pillow with you. On the car journey home hold it over the incision - it makes the bumps in the road feel loads better.
Wear big pants that sit high above the incision. I also wore high maternity leggings for ages afterwards so nothing rubbed.
Laughing and coughing are sore for a while!
Just go easy but try to get on your feet asap and move a bit. It'll really help.

And try to enjoy it! You'll be so rested and not exhausted from labour, so it's a great start. Good luck!

Original poster
Mrsttcno1 · 19/03/2024 19:10

Really can’t thank everyone enough for all of the positive replies. I was in absolute despair this afternoon with fear after being told we had to have one but I feel much calmer now reading over these! X

OP posts:
mynameiscalypso · 19/03/2024 19:12

@Unexpectedlysinglemum I think it varies so much and is probably more by luck than anything else. I was able to carry DS in his car seat out of the hospital the day after he was born without any issue but I think I was just exceptionally lucky. I like to claim it was because of something that I did but I'm sure it was the skill of the surgeon/just one of those things.

Mushroo · 19/03/2024 19:16

I had an ‘emergency’ one after a long induction and honestly wish I’d just had an elective, and would choose an elective next time.

LO was born at 3am and I was showering by about 3pm. I had my parents visit me in hospital that evening and I was walking to and from
the kitchen area.

Keep moving, take all the drugs (I buzzed for all the pain relief available) and it meant I wasn’t in pain at any point, felt a bit like the ache after a hard workout.

My scar has healed really well - my only complaint is the ‘mum pouch’ above the scar, but given the potential complications for a vagina delivery it’s really not that bad

PlantDoctor · 19/03/2024 19:21

I had a planned section. It was great! I recovered lots faster than other mums I knew who had tearing etc. I had to be careful-ish for a week or so but that just meant DH had to do the vacuuming etc.!

One day after the section was quite sore, but by the morning I was ok. Keep on top of pain meds. I only took the paracetamol as I was BF and DD was already sleepy due to jaundice, so didn't want her any more zonked out.

Felt completely fine looking after baby from day 1, just had to be careful not to twist too much for a few days.

Glad you're feeling a lot better about the planned section!

Edit: typo

lovemycbf · 19/03/2024 19:38

I've had a emergency cesarian and a planned one though choice,the first couple of weeks are the worst I won't lie but I took my painkillers regularly and moved around as soon as I could
Try not to be scared as it's not as bad as you'd think painful yes but manageable