Talk to me about scheduled C Sections

My first DD was delivered vaginally. I am currently almost 34 weeks and baby girl is still breech. I know standard responses will say "there is plenty of time for the baby to turn" but I have low amniotic fluid and my doctor (and the sonographer) both said they wouldn't get my hopes up for her to turn.

Can anyone walk me through what a schedule c-section is like? What do I need to do to prepare, both logistically and mentally? Any special aftercare tips?

Thanks in advance!!

Re: Talk to me about scheduled C Sections

I had a scheduled csection. It was pretty simple, honestly. I think in these cases everyone has their own experience and may feel differently, but I didn't find it bad at all.

I arrived at the hospital at 9am, my csection started exactly on time at 11am and my DS was born 48 minutes later. As for mentally, I had weeks to prepare because he was breech for a while beforehand. I was nervous about it, but I knew any exit route was sorta scary and after having gone through years of infertility and pregnancy losses to bring him here, I was just so relieved to have made it to that point. I say just focus on the end result.

My recovery wasn't bad. By the time I went home I was only taking Advil. They say to walk as much as possible after, and that's what I did. Just don't overdo it. (I did that too, lol)

Re: Talk to me about scheduled C Sections

Re: Talk to me about scheduled C Sections

I can't offer advice on a scheduled c-section as my first scheduled one (3rd c-section) is in a week, but I can offer advice about recovery.

Definitely get up and move as soon as you can. It may only be a trip to the bathroom or a short walk down the hallway, but moving will help you recover faster. Listen to your body and don't overdo it.

Stay on top of your pain medication even if you're not in too much pain by the time your next dose is due. Once the medication wears off, it will be harder to get back to being comfortable. I still used narcotics at least at night for a few days once I was home, but I could mostly get by with ibuprofen after discharge.

Take colace at the hospital and have some on hand when you get home. Between the pain medication and the surgery, you'll likely be constipated and going to the bathroom, especially the first time, will likely be painful around your incision/stomach. Also, you may want gas relief pills on hand. The surgery can affect your digestive system. I remember having terrible pains that traveled up to my shoulder/chest about 10 days after my surgery.

With my surgeries, I wasn't allowed to drive for 2 weeks afterwards so it would be helpful to have DH or a family member around at the beginning for appointments, etc.

Good luck!

Talk to me about scheduled C Sections

My first was an emergency and my second was scheduled. I was very calm and wasn't nervous at all since I knew what to expect. I wasn't exhausted from labor and got to make plans for my dd without stress. Ask for a belly band and walk.
Good luck

Re: Talk to me about scheduled C Sections

Message edited 8/14/2017 11:14:26 AM.

Talk to me about scheduled C Sections

My first was an emergency and harder. My second was planned and I was calmer throughout the pregnancy and day of. It was exactly what pennycat and mrs s said. Move when you can. Ask for a little breathing tube thing-I forget what it's called-but it helps with getting the anesthesia out and air in. Stay on your pain meds and do your best. Colace for sure and do what you can but not too much. For my planned I went on a Saturday and came home Tuesday but I could have stayed til wed but I was stir crazy and it was my daughters birthday that day :)

Talk to me about scheduled C Sections

Thanks everyone!

Talk to me about scheduled C Sections

Mine wasn't scheduled but for recovery definitely get up as soon as they let you. I had to walk due to DVT's in my leg so my Dr made me walk the hall daily. I also kept moving once I was home. Colace helped and they started me on it in the hospital. I had minimal pain so I didn't take the meds but everyone is different so just listen to your body and take them if necessary.

I had DS Wed afternoon and left Sat am. I wanted out asap and my dr was happy sending me home. I drove within a few days and moved about my house as normal (stairs and all). You will know what you can and can't do soon after....Its all about listening to your body.