Things to do before last minute c-section

[Copenhagener]

I had an ultrasound today (37+2) and my baby girl is footling breech, large for gestational age, and I have severe polyhydramnios (too much fluid) which has essentially immobilised me - the consultant took one look at my stomach and the ultrasound notes and asked me to go in 7am Monday morning for a planned section at 37+5.

Obviously a bit of a surprise and really not much time to get my head around having a section! It’s my first baby. I’m fine with the concept of the section as it’s much safer for baby.

Mums who’ve had a planned section, is there anything you’d recommend to prepare? Bag is packed, and I know I’ll be in the hospital for 2-3 nights. Partner is hurriedly getting our apartment ready and getting some final bits for baby, but as I can’t really walk or stand I feel a bit useless. So I’d love any advice for things I might not have considered, or ways to relax and prepare myself over the weekend? It’s going to be a long 56 hours and I’m nervous about going into labour beforehand!

Get a massage / hair cut / nails done!
Try not to worry it'll be ok

Congratulations in advance! So exciting your baby will be here so soon. I had an unplanned section 4 months ago and what I couldn't be without and frankly still can't are those super highwaisted cotton knickers. The big granny ones! I must have about 15 pairs at this stage. Even 4 months on the knicker line on normal ones irritate my scar so I'm still using them😂 Do you have a next to me type crib? Zip it up and separate it from your bed if you do because you won't be able to climb down the bed around it to get out if that makes sense. I came home from hosp and couldn't get into or out of bed with crib in the way so maybe hubby can sort that now.
If possible have hubby or family/friends cook a few freezer friendly meals that you can easily pull out for a quick dinner. Other than that have some one on one time together over the weekend, watch your favourite movies and shows and eat your favourite foods. Best of luck!!

Do you have any instructions?

I was given a bottle of hibiscrub and had to shower the night before with it, then again in the morning, including a hair wash. So I wouldn’t be bothering with hair cuts and nails!

i’d take off any nail polish and jewellery, put it somewhere safe.

sort out phone/battery packs etc. download as much as possible in case there’s no signal or you need to use airplane mode.

I’ve got my ELCS next week

Dont get your nails done - you’re advised to remove all nail varnish prior to surgery

Take nightdress rather than PJs for after surgery as you will have a catheter

Buy the biggest knickers you can find! No seam to the front. Mine came above my belly button. I had two sections, the first emergency, the second planned. They won’t let you have nail varnish. Before my planned section, I had a manicure and pedicure but no polish. And take lots of your favourite sweets. A planned section - even last minute - is very different to an emergency. Mine was positively easy! Agree about a next to me crib being tricky if it’s right next to the bed. I made the mistake of trying to pull myself up on it when DS was tiny and nearly tipped it over 😱

I wasn't advised anything about a hair wash or nails so did both - must depend on area

Other suggestion is have a bath - there's no time with a newborn to be alone!

I'm two weeks postpartum after having DD2 via planned section - for similar reasons to yourself! I thought it was such a gorgeous experience - I had quite a traumatic birth with DD1 so my section was very cathartic.

I'd say make sure you don't wear any jewellery or nail varnish as they ask you to remove it all for surgery. Lots of snacks in your bag, especially high fibre ones as the pain relief you're given can block you up! A drinks bottle with a straw to stay hydrated. Peppermint tea bags, chewing gum and colpermil capsules if possible - I didn't have any trapped wind after surgery as I just kept on top of all the peppermint!!

For my section they told me to bring a playlist along of songs I wanted playing whilst the surgery was being carried out which was lovely and made the whole thing so relaxing! Make sure it's downloaded if you do as signal is pretty weak.

Second other posters about packing your big knickers! And bring your own pillow - it'll come in handy to hold over your wound on the drive home and if you need to cough or sneeze!

Best of luck OP! xx

Get an extra long phone charger
When you have a section your digestive system will shut down for a bit and you will struggle to poo afterwards. You will not want to strain to to push out the constipation that will follow (trust me I’ve had 5 sections) so as soon as you can eat start to snack on dried apricots. A few handfuls every day morning and afternoon will soften things so that you can poo with ease when the time comes.

The nail varnish thing is because in an emergency they use nail bed colour as a check on your condition. They need to be able to see through the nail.

Oh my gosh yes! The wind! The pain! Definitely apricots and or dates.

I was grateful for my 'grab bag' - a small bag that I kept on the bed/ bedside table with me after the section that had everything I might want without buzzing for a midwife (water, charger, face wipes, snacks, baby muslin, etc)

Also massive knickers that go over your bump. You can just super size up regular knickers or get maternity ones.

Book a food shop for when you’re due to be home full of foods you love, some snacks/treats and some easy to prepare bits. Fresh soups, nice microwave/freezer meals, prepared salads (anything that you can quickly grab or dh can grab for you)

I’ve heard a dressing gown tie is really useful to help you pull yourself up to sitting position from lying down flat once you’ve had a c-section.

Chuck some stuff in the slow cooker to do some batch cooking.
Book a food shop for 2-3 days after section and get all the essentials.
I've had 2 and bother times only in for 24 hours.
Be prepared to find it hard to sit yourself up etc. think about doing anything you will find hard. Hair washing etc. buy some dry shampoo.

Ring your pharmacy and order some of these. Or order online… https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mepore-Sterile-Absorbent-30cm-Dressings/dp/B07HYGRGP3/ref=asc_df_B07HYGRGP3?mcid=f202389f15123060b957746216e6186a&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697357044134&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3569181874394649159&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9193648&hvtargid=pla-1423783124334&gad_source=1&th=1

And some giant granny pants 🤣

And a shitload of ibruprofen and paracetamol.

I have had 3 c-sections. I would take lots of snacks for afterwards and some nice squash. You need to eat and drink well and I didn't like the hospital food or water!

I would also take some nice toiletries/clothes/make up for afterwards. I found some self-care made me feel so much better.

Accept all painkillers offered

I specifically asked for a hospital bed which had the cot attached- so much easier to get breastfeeding established. I also had a midwife teach me how to breastfeed lying down.

I had my own choice of music playing for the birth.

Lots of useful advice in PPs. I'd say snacks & drinks in your hospital bag.

Slip-on slippers! I stupidly took elasticated slippers to hospital with me - couldn't reach down to pull them on! Big knickers and nighties. Freezer food for when you come home.

I too had polyhydramnios, was on hospital bedrest from 35 weeks and had CS at 37 weeks. Was originally planned for 38 weeks but I was so huge they brought it forward to the earliest possible date. Baby was 7lb 4oz and absolutely healthy, no cause of the poly was ever found.

@imSatanhonest Poly is the worst isn’t it! What was your AFI? Mine was 37 today 😬doctor said they don’t do planned sections at the weekend, or I’d be going in tomorrow. Just hope my poor uterus can hang on another 48 hours.

I’m glad it was totally idiopathic for you. They haven’t identified a cause for me (all clear on torch panel/gestational diabetes/enhanced ultrasound) but they’ll check her oesophagus when she’s out.

Have they told you you'll be in hospital for 2-3 days??
as this isn't the norm. You're usually discharged 24 hours after surgery, all being well. At least that's most people's experience. Xxx

Hi all,

Thank you so much for sharing your stories and advice! Lots of good suggestions here I’ll take on board.

I received some instructions, but won’t get to chat to a midwife properly until Monday. They’ve instructed:

• shower the night before and wash hair
• use hair removal cream on bikini line on Sunday
• peppermint chewing gum and tea
• been prescribed 100 Panodil for pain relief afterwards
• no make up / scented anything / creams
• partner can stay in our birth suite for 3 nights with me

Yes; but I’m not in the U.K. (I’m in Denmark) where it’s the norm that first time mothers stay 1-3 nights with a dedicated midwife until mother is healing well and breastfeeding is established. You can choose to leave early, but most women quite enjoy the stay 😊

www.businessinsider.com/denmark-maternity-hotel-room-service-nurses-2024-1#:~:text=The%20hotel%20—%20located%20in%20Hvidovre,hospital%20spokesperson%20told%20Business%20Insider.

Get a cycling/sports water bottle so you can drink lying down.

Planned section earlier this year. Agree with everything everyone said plus -

Antihistamines - I found the drugs made me quite itchy.

A fan! Everyone told me to pack one but I had a January baby and thought no way would I need one.
Wish I listened, those wards are super hot even in winter!

Nice latte/cappucino/whatever sachets for a treat

Good luck ❤️

@Copenhagener ahhh! That makes sense. Apologies, I just assumed UK. Wishing you the best of luck with your birth and enjoy your new baby xxxxx