Scheduled c-section questions for those who BTDT

I have a scheduled c-section this coming Thursday and was just wondering what to expect. I had an emergency c the first time around so I know this will be very different.
Was wondering:
-What are they going to do at the pre-op appt the day before? Can I go alone or should my DH come with me?

-How long will the c-section actually take? And should I wait till the following day to have my DD come up and visit.
I am scheduled for 330pm and just not sure if it will be too late by the time I actually get into a room and out of recovery.( My DD is only 19mths old)

-what should I expect as far as recovery? My recovery from my first was an absolute nightmare so I can only hope this will be better. I am so scared/ anxious about not being able to care for my toddler when I get home. She is so young and it's gonna be hard for her to understand she can't climb on me or pick her up.

Thanks in advance for any info/advice you have!

Scheduled c-section questions for those who BTDT

Pre-op- just go yourself. They took blood and a urine sample. I filled out paper work. Took about half an hour.

My c-section was scheduled for 9:30 (and started on time). DS was born at 10:03. I think I was put into a room around 1? It took a little longer because 1) they had to wait for the anethesia to wear off a little so I could move onto another bed and 2) the room wasn't ready.

I had visitors a couple of hours later and that night.

Recovery wasn't bad at all. I was pretty much normal after a week. If you have someone that can be around a lot more that first week, it will help a lot.

Good luck!!!!

Scheduled c-section questions for those who BTDT

Thanks!

Re: Scheduled c-section questions for those who BTDT

At my pre-op it was just a blood sample and paperwork. It took forever to process but it was all boring and routine, so if you don't mind a long wait alone, DH doesn't need to be there.

My C-section was scheduled for 9am. I think they made me get there ridiculously early like 6am but that was for all the before stuff and placing the IV and this and that. They prepped me for surgery around 8:45, brought my husband in the room around 9ish and by 9:20 my DD was born. Only took 20 min for the actual birth and then prolly another 20-30 to close up before going into recovery.

This was my first but I would have seen my DD that day if I had one.

330--- to me that means you might be in recovery by 430 pm... room wait depends... I didn't get a room for like 2-3 hours, so that would be 630-730 probably.

Everyones recovery is different. i am sure it will be better than the 1st since it was an emergency and plus now you've already had one. second time around is always easier for everything it seems. Mine was bad because my abs separated during pregnancy/csection. so i still get back pain and random pain. i was walking around by day 2 in the hospital but it really took me 3 months to feel slightly normal again. i couldnt have my 7lb newborn resting on me for like 2 months... so i can't imagine having a toddler trying to climb or cuddle you.

id say you will need extra help with your older DD until you feel good enough to take over.

stay in the hospital as long as you can with insurance. i regret rushing home. i felt great in the hospital and then i got home and immediately regretted leaving.

hope this helps

Re: Scheduled c-section questions for those who BTDT

DS1 was a crash c section. It was a nightmare. Sched C was soooo much better.
Originally the sched time was for 3pm. They called me the day before saying they moved me to the 10 am spot. I asked and they said the girl for 10 am went into labor so I lucked out. Lol
Was told to get there at 8am. I did the pre op the day before. DH did come, but he didn't have to. Just blood work. My hospital was fast. No wait. I think filled in some ppwk, they took blood then gave me the hospital bracelet with all my information.
Got to the hospital about 7:45AM and they really needed those 2 hours. The nurses were awesome. Just changed, prepped me, hooked me up to the IV, the belly thing to listen to the baby's heartbeat, etc.
Met with the anestesiologist too.
Before I knew it those 2 hours flew and it was 10 am. I walked into the operation room where I got the spinal, which I was so afraid of, but it really was nothing. DH came in the room then they did the catheter. Since I was numb I didn't feel it and they started.
Best advise I got was don't be a hero. You are paying for the drugs so use it. I immediately asked for the meds so I didn't feel nauseous. Took a few mins and before I knew it ds2 was out and I wasn't even paying attention as they sew me up. Happened fast and before I knew it I was in recovery. Maybe the whole thing was 45 mins.

Recovery was sooo much better too.
Good luck!

Eta... DS1 was 25 months at the time. Both my parents and IL's were in the waiting room with him there at the hospital. He came and saw me, but with being spoiled so much he was pretty busy. My IL's and parents both took turns watching him those 4 days to help so DH could be with me. I saw him everyday for about an hour or so then they took him to do some activities, etc.
Loved seeing him, but I knew he was in good hands and was getting spoiled.

Message edited 6/25/2013 5:16:00 PM.

Scheduled c-section questions for those who BTDT

Thanks! I'm really praying that they have a slot open up earlier! I really want to have my DD be able to come up and see the baby that day, I was just worried about it being to late by the time I actually get into a room

Re: Scheduled c-section questions for those who BTDT

day before was just blood and paperwork dh came with me but u could def go yourself

my c section ws at 1130 am..had to be there at 9

madison was born 1204 and dylan 1207

getting put back together took longer than getting them out..they told me first cut was 1156..

i was in recovery and not in a room untill around 430 but i also had to wai to be cleared bc of my medical history

my recovery was amazing..i had zero issues,did it suck to walk the first time yes,u know how that feels but i was def ok a few days later,before i left the hospital

i just walked and walked and walked

worse part was nothing to drink night before after midnight,and by the time it was time for the c section i was dying for a drink,i asked them for ice but they said not until after,then i had to wait for the room

best of luck to you!

Re: Scheduled c-section questions for those who BTDT

I was scheduled for a csection but both times went into labor (preterm) and had emergency csections. First csection, I had DS at 1:20pm and spent 3 hours in recovery and my DD visited me in recovery.

With my second csection I delivered at 12:30am so I didn't get visitors until that night.

I am scheduled again (probably wont make it to that day), but I would definitely would want to see my DC ASAP.