Talk to me about c-sections **UPDATE**

Hi everyone... I am due 11-15 but due to a blood clotting disorder I am not permitted to go to/beyond my due date.

Long story short, I have a dr. appt tomorrow to discuss my "options" for the delivery of LO. As of today I still have no progress- no dilation whatsoever- all I have is a "mushy cervix". My dr had said that the baby is still very high- he's concerned that he/she may be too big or the cord is too short. So, he would hate to induce me and have me labor for 2 days only to end up performing a csection anyway. So that's where I stand.

I....am....terrified..... I've never had surgery before. It's 99% certain I will be having the csection either Thurs or Fri..

So, please, tell me all about it.. Prep, surgery itself, recovery, pros/cons, has anyone had a VBAC since the csection? Anything you can give me would be wonderful. Thank you so much



*************UPDATE**************

Baby T has been given his/her eviction notice. My csection is scheduled for 7:30 am on Thursday.. Wish me luck, I'm a puddle right now!

Thank GOD I am in good hands. I love my 2 drs that will be performing my c/s. That's what will be keeping me calm the next 2 days. DH and I are in a fog right now while reality sets in... I just keep reminding myself- 48hrs and I'll be a mommy... holy helll

Message edited 11/10/2009 5:04:18 PM.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

First of all

I had a scheduled c-section. Check out my birth story - it really went very smoothly, no complications, and although I was nervous the nurse and the anesthesiologist were SO helpful and calming and it went by pretty quickly.

Prep: I went for pre-surgical testing the day before. It's paperwork, blood and urine. No big deal at all! The waiting around was annoying though

The surgery itself: more details in my birth story, but I went in at 6am, was in the OR by 8:30am, and DS was born at 8:49am.

My recovery was great. I was in the most pain on day 3 but I was feeling almost 100% normal by day 6/7.

I was able to BF as soon as DS was brought to my room 4 hours later (1pm) - he was in the nursery a bit longer because his temp was low.

I plan on having a VBAC this March. My OB says I am a good candidate because I never went into labor so there are no forseeable issues. It completely depends on the individual. My DC will be 18 months apart.

If you have any specific questions let me know!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I was dead against having a c-section, but after having an emergency c-section, I realized that's it's not that bad.

I realize everyone's experience is different, but mine was not bad at all. I wasn't in too much pain, after the first day, I only needed Motrin for the pain, nothing stronger. I was up walking around the day after, and I went home a day early. Once I got home, it was a little hard getting in and out of bed, and going upstairs, but for the most part, it was manageable.

Compared to the hell I went thru being induced and pushing for 2 hours, the section was a breeze and the spinal was my best friend.

Good luck!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I had a scheduled c-section but my water broke early so i had it earlier than expected. Once i got to the hospital and in the room, the nurses came in and did the IV and then the doctor came in and basically said his hello and that he would see me in the OR. Then the anesthesiologist came in, he asked what felt like 100 questions. From what my weight is to going over what he will do to make sure i was comfortabel in the OR. Once they wheeled me in the OR, the sat me up on the table and the anesthesiologist used the betadyne and thendescirbed step by step what he was doing as he did my spinal. Then i was laid back down and my toes got warm and that feeling creeped up all the way to my chest and i felt nothing, then they put the catheter in which i never felt and they set up the blue sheet and checked my belly to make sure i felt nothing and then went to get DH. The whole thing took about 20 minutes to get the baby out and then 20 minutes after the baby was born to close everything up. Then i went off to recovery for an hour, then back to my room and got to see DD and start BF her.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I had a c-section since DD was breech. Initially I was freaked out about it, but as I go closer to the surgery, I was fine. And having gone thorugh it, I would totally do it again. I will not lie, that first night was rough - and evern the first 2 days, but each day was better than the day before and by 2 weeks I was feeling worlds better! I had pain, but nothing crazy and I think a lot of it was due to the fact that I never labored. My body wasn't tired from that and then the c - I just went in on a friday morning, freshly showered, hair blown out and had the surgery. I will definitely do it again for baby #2.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I had a scheduled c-section and it wasn't bad.
I had to wait for awhile because there were a few emergency c-sections before me.
I had a few issues with getting the epidural in, but that is rare.
I didn't feel anything and the babies were out within minutes. I felt a little nauseous when they were putting me back together, but the anesthesiologist put some meds into my IV and I felt better within seconds.
DH sat by my head the whole time, and once the babies were checked out, he held them right next to me. I was able to hold my babies once I was sewn up, and I held them for awhile in recovery.

The second day (the day after the c-sec) was toughest for me recovery-wise - I was in a lot of pain, but I asked the nurse for more pain meds, and that helped a lot. DO NOT be afraid to ask for those meds, there is no reason for you to suffer!

If you are on lovenox for your clotting disorder, make sure you switch to heparin a week or two before the surgery, and go completely off everything two days before, otherwise you might have to go under general.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I was afraid to have a c-section too. I begged my dr's to induce me early because he was measuring so big. I was induced 4 days before my due date and was doing nicely for a vaginal delivery. Then the baby turned and was jamming me in the back every time I pushed. After an hour of that, I was begging for a c-section. I have never had any surgery either. I had an epidural places at 5cm, but it had worn off completely during the pushing phase. So I was rushed into the OR for an emergency c-section.They gave me more epidural and I felt nothing. I even fell asleep when they were sewing me back up. As for the pain level, didn't feel much. After the baby was born, they gave me morphine in my IV and all I took was Tyelnol and Motrin the whole time I was in the hospital. DS is 16 days old now and my incision is completely healed. I was quite sore the first few days, but the hospital staff was very helpful. They gave me stitches that dissolve. So nothing to remove. So far it has been good.

Message edited 11/9/2009 3:47:34 PM.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I was induced. . . . and it didnt work!
I ended up needing a csection anyway. Looking back, I would have 100% rather have gone in for the csection rather than be induced.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

Quick question- for scheduled csections do they give you an epidural or a spinal block?

I'm going to go and look at any birth stories that have been mentioned. Keep the advice coming. Once again- I'm such a baby, I'm totally terrified!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

Posted by DomesticDeeva

I was dead against having a c-section, but after having an emergency c-section, I realized that's it's not that bad.

I realize everyone's experience is different, but mine was not bad at all. I wasn't in too much pain, after the first day, I only needed Motrin for the pain, nothing stronger. I was up walking around the day after, and I went home a day early. Once I got home, it was a little hard getting in and out of bed, and going upstairs, but for the most part, it was manageable.

Compared to the hell I went thru being induced and pushing for 2 hours, the section was a breeze and the spinal was my best friend.

Good luck!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I have had 2 csections and they weren't as horrible as I was scared they would be.

The 1st time I was in labor for 22 hours or so before I ended up having to have the section. The second time around I had a scheduled section b.c I wasn't a good candidate for a VBAC and I'm not comfortable with the risks of them. DD#2 had other plans and my BP spiked and she came 12 days early. Having a section when you aren't in labor first honestly was much easier on my body than being in labor for almost a day then having the section. So there is something to be said about scheduling it.

I won't lie the 1st section was harder recovery than the second was one. You will need help for a little while after the section and won't be able to drive, lift or do a few other things for a little while. But it wasn't nearly as bad as some people had scared me into believing.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I was 4 days past my due date...my DD hadn't dropped, I wasn't dilated, my cervix was high and tight. I talked with my OB and we decided that a scheduled c-section 2 days later was the best way to go. I loved the convenience of knowing exactly when I would be having the baby.

I went in for pre-op testing the day before. Nothing big...they just asked a bunch of questions and took some blood. I was there maybe an hour.

The next day we were told to be at the hospital at 8am for my 9am c-section. I checked in with admissions and they sent me upstairs to Labor and Delivery. They had me change into a gown and then they set up a monitor on my stomach and started an IV. They also shaved me quickly where the incision was going to be. Once I had 1 1/2 bags of IV fluid in me then I went into the Operating Room. DH was put in a separate room while I was given the epidural and then they brought him in.

Kaydyn was out about 15 mins later. DH got to take pics of her and then they wrapped her up and I got to kiss her before they took her out to the Nursery. I was stitched up and then taken to recovery (the whole process was just about 40 mins). I spend about 40 mins in recovery and then I was wheeled to my room. My family got to say hello in the hall while I was being wheeled to my room.

I was in my room by noon and they brought the baby in to me less than an hour later. I got to hold her and feed her before visiting hours started at 2pm.

The nurses had me out of bed by 6pm (I just went from the bed to the chair and back).

I took the pain meds when I started feeling pain. I kept Kaydyn in the nursery at night so I could try and get some sleep. I had my c-section on Thurs and went home Sun morning.

Once home I did not take any of the pain medicine. I took it easy (did not drive for the 2 weeks that my OB suggested). I slept on the couch at night for about 2 weeks because I had a hard time getting in and out of bed. Every day I felt a little bit better.

At exactly 2 weeks I was out and about with DD. I couldn't stay in the house any longer. I was sore and my incision actually got infected, but my recovery wasn't too bad. My DH stayed home the 1st week and then my ILs came every day the 2nd week (My FIL actually took me to my OB appt).

Take any help that anyone offers and sleep when the baby sleeps. Kaydyn would do a good stretch from about 7am-10:30/11am every morning and as soon as she was asleep I went right to bed. I felt better being a little more rested.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

shameless bump

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I really didn't want a c-section. I was pushed into one after 21 hours & "FTP". Anyway, The surgery itself was very rough for me, but I don't hear of that being the norm at all. One side was not as numb as it should've been & it HURT (the same thing happened with my epi with my second DC so I'm being told my back must be crooked). Recovery wasn't fun. I advise you to take your pain meds regularly. I tried to be a superstar at first & avoid pain meds, but ohhhhh boy it was bad. It was a little easier once I started taking them regularly. The first two days were just awful. I didn't want to move at all & the first time you have to walk is really tough. By the 3rd day though, I was up & moving, just slowly & carefully. It just took a long time for me to feel like myself again. For about a month afterwards I had to sit up slowly in bed & I felt pain after walking. By 6 weeks I was totally 100% me again. The good thing to remind yourself is that the pain gets better a little everyday. Also, based on the stories I've read here, many women have it easier than I did so your experience may be a breeze!

I had a VBAC this past April. It was a great experience & I am so, so glad that I stuck to my guns & went for it. It's something I really would encourage you to try as long as you are a safe candidate of course. If you ever need any info, don't hesitate to ask.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I had two c-sections and I'm going to be honest here...the first time I had one I had a little bit of a hard time recovering. Nothing crazy...but I had also just had a stillborn and was in a COMPLETELY different situation than you are...I was miserable and had no choice but to wallow in misery. I may have been projecting my mental pain with physical pain, because I had a c-section about 3.5 weeks ago and I feel awesome. I mean, no pain. I had a little bit of pain for the first few days in the hospital (but honestly I think the worst of it was the gas pain ) and now I feel like I didn't even have surgery. The main key is to get up and get moving. As much as you're like, are you crazy, you want me to GET UP? That's the main thing to do. Once you do that, you're golden.

Good luck to you, my due date was 11/15 also, but my guy decided to show up 5 weeks early! FM if you ever have any questions

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

i did not want a c-section, was terrified of having major surgery since i've never had any kind of surgery before. at 5 days past my due date, a sonogram revealed my fluids were extremely low, so i was admitted to the hospital to be induced. at the same time, my contractions started to come naturally, so they didn't induce me until the next morning. once they gave me the pitosin, DD's heart rate started to drop, so i had to have an emergency c-section. i was very scared and nervous, but in the end it was really quick and painless. i was in and out of surgery all in an hour. my contractions were extremely painful, so the surgery was actually a walk in the park for me, i was just so glad to be out of pain. the only really bad part for me was when they were sewing me back up. you have on a heated "blanket" and i felt claustrophobic with it on, and it was a really awful feeling, but it lasted for about 7 minutes and that was it.

my recovery was pretty good. be sure to walk around when you can, it'll help you feel better. if you plan on BFing, you can do so pretty soon after the surgery. my milk also came in on the third day. sometimes it takes a bit longer when you have a c-section. take the pain meds when you can. i didn't play hero, i took the meds and they did help. at home, getting in and out of bed, and going up and down the stairs was difficult at first, but after about a week, the pain eased up a lot.

for someone who was terrified of having a c-section, i actually now plan on having another one when we have another baby.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I had an emergency c-section about a month ago because my labor wasn't progressing and my daughter was rather large. I was petrified when the OB first told me that this was the course of action he was taking; although, I completely agreed that it was necessary. I remember shaking like a leaf on the operating table, and as soon as DH was permitted to enter the room I instructed him to talk to me throughout the delivery. I was so scared that I was going to feel something--which did not happen, of course! Recovery has been pretty good. As soon as the staples were removed (which does NOT hurt at all!) I felt a million times better. By the end of the second week I was walking daily around my neighborhood. Now I feel pretty much like myself again--I'm dying to work out, and honestly feel like I could, but I'm waring on the side of caution and waiting until my 6 week appt. My scar is so small,and so low that no one will ever see it aside from my DH. The area around the incision is a bit numb--I'll ask about this next week at the doctor's appt. and occasionally I'll feel a pulling sensation if I move too quickly. All in all, I feel pretty great and definitely won't fear a c-section next time around! Good luck and congratulations

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

First, I remember feeling the way you do now about being faced with a c/s. It was much worse in my imagination than in reality. DS was an emergency c/s and DD was a planned repeat c/s. The day before I had DD I went for pre-op testing which was just one vial of blood. The night before my c/s I could not eat after midnight for an 8 am c/s.
I got to the hospital at 6:30 am. The nurses took my blood pressure, pee, put in the iv port. I met with my obgyn and the anesthesiologist. There was a slight delay and I was in the or by 8:30 am. DD was born at 9:05 am. I was in recovery by 10 am and in my room at noon. I would have been in my room by 11:15, but they were delaying me to get into a nicer single room.

The part that is more difficult is after a c/s. The things that you should do to make your recovery easier. As soon as you are permitted, get up. It will be hard, but you have to get up as soon as they ask you to do it. Try to move a little more each day. Make sure to sit in a chair the second day.
Make sure to sit up straight to help with the gas. Try to poop. Take the pain meds when they are given and make sure to do it on schedule.

Accept any and all help you can get. You don't get a mommy award for doing everything on yourself. It will be much easier on you for your recovery to have someone in the house with you the first week you come home. A clean house and laundry can wait for DH to do it. Have some meals in the freezer.

I had a spinal for both the emergency and the repeat c/s.

Message edited 11/9/2009 7:25:15 PM.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

Thank you all so very much for your stories. I truly appreciate your willingness to share! I will update tomorrow once I get the information of when the c/s will take place.. Then I'll start begging you for prayers and good c/s vibes Thanks again!!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I had a c-section almost 9 weeks ago. I was induced 9 days early due to high blood pressure, major swelling and a severe case of PUPPPS.

After 36 hours of Cervidil and 8 hours of Pitocin, I never progressed past 1.5 cm's. My doctor gave me the option of a few more hours of Pitocin or a section - I opted for the section at that point.

The surgery was quick and recovery was great. I'm not going to lie, the first few days I was very sore, but by 2 weeks PP, I was back to almost normal. Looking back, I have to say that it wasn't the horror show I had always thought of when I thought of sections.

I wish you the best!

Message edited 11/9/2009 9:30:26 PM.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

My sister went through 36 hours of labor with her first, then had a c-section.

Her second came out vaginally.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

Hi Heather! I'd say "try to relax" but I know from experience that's pointless . I was like you, as my due date approached and NOTHING was happening, I worked myself into an absolute TIZZZY of fear and anxiety about the impending c-section. Sure enough, that's what I ended up having, starting with an induction (ever hopeful that labor would happen on its own, but it wasn't meant to be). By the time we got to the hospital for the induction DH and I were barely speaking because I was just an anxious wreck Try not to do that, you'll probably need him later on
Anyway, information is power, so read some of the birth stories for cs ladies, here's mine .
I know it's a year later and everyone says "it's not that bad" and that's truuuuue but while you're awaiting d-day, it's all new and scary, so don't beat yourself up if you're still anxious. Your nurses will be amaaaaaaaazing, you see a lot more of them than the doctors so just tell them if you're scared or uncomfortable, I did and they were awesome!!
So all the nerves and fear are totally NORMAL, I don't know anyone who didn't have that before their first c-sec or even natural delivery!!!!!
BTW I know many women who've had cs's first time around and VBACs later on!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

The c-section itself was fine. You feel nothing after the epi. Two things that were uncomfortable was a quick bout of nausea which they fixed in 2 seconds with IV meds. Then I felt like I couldn't breathe deeply. Apparently they were leaning on my chest to slow my bood flow(I had an emergency c and was on haparin so bled a bit more than they liked) and the meds can make you feel that way. That passed in about 1 minute.

The recovery-for the first two days was really hard for me. I had twins and I don't know if they did something to the tissue ta the edges of my incision but it felt awful when Itried to get out of bed. By Day 3 I was walking all over and it was a LOT easier to get out of bed. Let your husband know he will have to do a lot for you. My husband helped me shower, put my underwear on etc You will be fine. Just take it slow when moving afterwards.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

i found a post i wrote back in january i copied it below.


i was extreamly happy with my experience. i had twins 6/23/08. i actually had no pain and a very easy recovery.

i was in good shape before i got pg and my dr said that had a lot to do with it. other factors that make a difference is if it is scheduled vs emergency. if you are already goign thru labor and then need to have emergency surgury it is very differnt for your body than having a planned procedure.

the night of my surgury i was sleeping and my monitor went off which woke me up. apparently i was sleeping on my side/ partially on my stomach and was laying onthe monitor wires. the nurse came in and said this dioesnt usually happen b.c peiople usually cant sleep on their sides due to discomfort i didnt have any. i took mainly motrin as often as they reccommended and for 2 days i took some perceset. when i got home i took advil for about a week b.c they reccommended it not b.c i felt pain. i also thouhg maybe this would prevent me from feeling the pain.

in 24 hours i was walking slowly but i was walking. by the time i left the hosipital i was fine.

i had occassional twings of shapr pain but by the time i acknowledged the pain it was gone. it hurt but like i said only for a moment. this happened a few time in the first few weeks if i bent down or moved a certain way.

i asked the same questions before my procedure and wanted to know everyones experience but ultimatly everyons is so differnt and mine was better than i expected.

i actually remember my experience so fondly that i asked people who were withme right after if i am remember ing it differntly. like did i "forget" the pain. they said no i was fine right away. i dont know how common this is but i had a very positive experience.

i felt back to myself 100% after a month. i went to a 1st bdayparty 10 days after having the twins and was fine.

good luck!