A long way off but really scared about elective section.

[mrsrvc]

Hello all,

I was just wondering if anyone could offer any words of advice/ reassurance...

I am 20+4 pregnant with ds2 and will be booked for a section at approx 38w due to previous complications at my ds1 birth which led to him passing away a week later.

Obviously I know that the section in these circumstances is best for the baby but I am already shitting myself nervous about it. I am really scared about the operation itself and any potential complications especially if this little one is as big as his big brother was. But I am also really nervous about the spinal. I had a spinal for a retained placenta removal after ds1's birth and the aneasthetic made my blood pressure drop to about 50/25. I seriously thought I was going to die.

Has anyone had a positive experience of an elective section. Also has anyone had previous bad experiences of a spinal block and then had another and it be ok?

no experience sorry, just wanted to respond. Can you talk this through with you consultant or another professional? Your worries about this aren't stupid, they sound sensible given your last experience. Hopefully they will be able to reassure you that all your worries are extremely unlikely - even more so since they'll know exactly what to be on the lookout for.
so so sorry to hear about your ds1. congratulations on your pregnancy and i'll look forward to reading a birth announcement of a smooth delivery and safe arrival of your ds.

am so sorry for the loss of your ds1 and of course you are understably nervous.

I had DD1 10lb4 with high forceps, DD2 was 11lb1 ending in EMCS and DD3 only 9lb14 as an elective

I can honestly say that the 3rd was the mose relaxed, the staff were VERY kind to me, my mother had passed away 2 days previously, everything was done without panic and with explanation and the staff were great - please put your fears/anxieties in your birth plan so they are aware and I'm sure they will do everything they can for you and the safe arrival of your baby

Thanks for your comments.
I actually have my first pregnancy meeting with my consultant on friday, so I will definitely be going through it all with her then. Its sometimes nice to hear about people's experiences as well.

mrsrvc, I only mentioned mine in detail in the hope that the size of them reassured you that having a big baby doesn't necessarily mean you can't have a smooth labour

you are well within your rights to go over everything with them for reassurance purposes, just the same as any other surgery

ah you're already planning to do that, sorry

Dizzy, Our posts crossed, so I hadn't read your post before I replied. Its really reassuring to hear that big baby births can go ok. DS1 was 10,8, and this one is already measuring a week and a half big on scans (4 weeks in fundal height).
Its really good to hear that the elective was ok and relaxed.

Stealth - our posts crossed then too. I hope I didn't sound rude.
I really appreciate all your comments.

no not at all, worried it sounded as though i was telling you off for not doing it so far

Sorry for your loss of DS1.
I had an elective for my DD. Only had her so far so can't compare with anything else but it was absolutely fine and quite relaxed. The staff were really nice and calm, and they even played our music in the operating room during it all.
The one thing I would recommend if possible is to meet with the anasthetist beforehand. I think many hospitals have obs anasthetic clinics, and you should ask your consultant if you can get to meet yours beforehand, especially if you had a few problems last time.
I think I was lucky as my consultant arranged for me to meet the ana. (sorry can't be arsed to spell in out wrongly everytime) due to other medical conditions I have although I think the consultant was probably being over cautious. However, if he hadn't I would have pushed for an ana appt anyway (based on the advice of SIL who is also an ana)
The Ana explained everything in detail, and we asked lots of questions - it made a big difference to me that I had met him beforehand as you don't really see the people the other side of the screen (as you might remember)

mrsrvc - if you want to email me I was helped to do a fantastic birth plan but a lovely MNer and I'd be happy to share it with you if you like?

if I can find it again

[email protected]

don't feel like you have to do it though it just helped me a lot

I've found it on the laptop but can't get it open for some reason - will try a few things though

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely talk to the consultant about meeting the anaesthetist (sp?) before hand as I think that would really help.
Its good to know that you've had positive experiences from and elective section, it is a real comfort. I don;t know anyone who has had an elective.

Hi I have my elective section in 2 weeks and am scared stiff, especially of the spinal

However was admitted to hospital last week and there was a lady in there who had her spinal section and was up and about looking after her baby 12 hours later, she said it was a breeze x

Hope ours goe like that and i will post and let you know how mine went in 2 week