What to expect for c-section

Due to certain circumstances I need to have a scheduled c-section in 2 weeks! What should I expect? How is the recovery? Thank you!

What to expect for c-section

Get up and walk asap. Take the painkillers but not too much. I hate to say it but you need to feel some of the pain to know if you push yourself too much.

Re: What to expect for c-section

I had a c-section about a year ago now and I have to say my recovery was much better than I was expecting!

Make sure that you get up and walk as soon as they tell you that you are able to-you will be scared and hesitant at first, but it is worth it.

Also, I had TERRIBLE gas pains after my surgery that are apparently common-they showed up for me in my shoulder--ask for gas relief stuff or bring your own in-no one warned me about that and I found that to be the worst part!

After the c-section, my dr put on one of those belly binder things and I think that helped immensely. If they do not give you one, ask!

In order for the incision not to be irritated-my dr/nurse also put one of the pads with the soft part on my incision so that it would rub against my underwear/pants/etc.

Re: What to expect for c-section

Walk walk walk

And when you sit down. Walk again lol

I think that's what made me have a great recovery. First time sucked but it got easier and easier.

What to expect for c-section

I had a c-section a couple months ago (scheduled but went into labor a few days before). The delivery was awesome- dd was out and on my chest in less than 15 minutes. The recovery was great as well. I was up and around in less than 24 hours.

Take as much colace as they allow and then take extra. Wear the mesh undies if they have them.

Good luck! You'll be fine!

Re: What to expect for c-section

What to expect for c-section

Everyone's experience is different. I'll just leave it at that.

But walk if you can. Also drink ginger tea and take every medication they offer.

What to expect for c-section

I could not walk the first night. They got me up and tried to make me and I simply could not. I was able to walk easier the next morning but for me, it was a hard recovery those first few days. Once I was home and moving more it got much better. Everyone is different and definitely try and walk, just saying I guess not to feel bad if you can't do it the first time the nurses come in and try.

Re: What to expect for c-section

Try to stand up/ walk when you can. Also take plenty of colace ! That first poop can be torture if you don't that was the worst part of my recovery first time around

I also brought my own colace and gas x. The nurses don't like to give too much. Eat light the first few days, soups, veggies and fruits. It really helps too.

I brought a sleeping mask so when the nurses turned on the lights to check blood pressure, I didn't get fully woken up at night.

Recovery is different for everyone. My first was a bit harder than my second. I was on bed rest for weeks with the first, Keep active up until your c section date, that helps you after the fact.

Keep on top of your pain meds, don't wait until you are in pain to ask for more

Re: What to expect for c-section

Re: What to expect for c-section

I have had three c-sections; two were scheduled, the first was not. I've replied to posts like this several times...this is a repost of a reply I gave sometime between the 2nd and 3rd, both of which were at LIJ (my 3rd was at North Shore, but as I recall, it was pretty much the same.) I hope it helps!

*They're going to put on some weird really tight socks on you (without toes!) before the surgery.
*You'll drink some gross shot of antacid as well.
*The spinal is no big deal. Your DH will not be there, but will soon arrive. Oh yeah, but if you're easily freaked, don't look around too much.
*It's really freaky to feel nothing below your chest!
*You may feel like your breathing is a bit shallow--don't worry you can and you are breathing.
*You will be laying on a very VERY narrow table with your arms spread out (mine were not strapped down)--I felt like Jesus on the crucifix
*They will tilt you slightly on your side and you'll feel like you're about to drop face-down ...but you won't!
*If you're panicking, keep talking and try to joke around. If you're really freaking (who does that...that couldn't have been me... ) they can give you a sedative after the baby is out.
*I brought a small photo book of my older DD to get me through--I kept making my DH flip through it to focus me. You may consider bringing pictures of your honeymoon> or another happy time.
*Afterwards, the nurses are going to clean you up (maybe even a bit roughly) and again...you may feel like they're going to drop you. At this point I had not a care in the world...my DD was just born!

Good luck!

Message edited 2/7/2016 10:35:21 AM.

Re: What to expect for c-section

Message edited 2/7/2016 11:34:33 AM.

Re: What to expect for c-section

I walked bc I was tired of looking at the same 4 walls in the room. The hallway wasn't too interesting but it was different.
I had an easy recovery and once I got home I felt so much better. Best thing was getting fresh air after 4 days.

Re: What to expect for c-section

-walk! Yet also try to rest
-take stool softener
-take the pads and chucks from the hospital. Chucks are great to fold and have against the incision site
-have high-waisted underwear at home
-the belly binder actually hurt me
-you'll feel much better after a shower

What to expect for c-section

I agree with everyone else. The best advice I received was walk. I walked as soon as I was able too. My recovery was pretty smooth. I took pain killers once at the hospital per the nurse and didn't have to take anything stronger than advil after that. I recovered pretty fast.

Also before they give you the section, I was told to ask them to put the catheter in after they administer the epidural or spinal tap. My sister said them putting the catheter in was the worst part of her csection

Re: What to expect for c-section

not sure what your circumstances are, but my c-section was an emergency c-section due to HELLP syndrome. The recovery is different because the meds offered are different. The mediation they gave me made me hallucinate and gave me a fever. When they changed it, I became totally lethargic and my respiration was down around 6. I had one hour checks just to check on my breathing. I have no recollection of the first 24 hours after giving birth.

I finally stood up about 36 hours after the section. It was just to get into a chair. I passed out during the transition so I ended up not moving out of bed for another day. Day 3 I finally felt well enough to get out of bed. I was able to walk a bit. 2 days later we were all sent home.

Follow the advise of your nurses. I wasn't pushed because it was medically better for me not to.

Message edited 2/8/2016 9:42:14 AM.

Re: What to expect for c-section

walk and def bring gas pills because my gas pains were the worst! I remember the third day being the worst for some reason. After a week I was better although still sore.

What to expect for c-section

Use the incentive spirometer. I brushed it off bc when they showed me how to use it, I was able to do it so I figured I didn't need it. Wrong. Use it.

Re: What to expect for c-section

I just had my 2nd c-section this past Wednesday, so everything is super fresh in my mind.

You can't eat or drink (not even water) for 12 hours prior to the surgery.

I walked into the operating room which was pretty surreal, since my 1st C was an emergency and I was rolled in.

I did not feel the spinal being administered at all - not even a little. It works pretty fast, but the numbness only goes up to your chest.

The anesthesiologist will be by your head the entire time (along with your partner). Be sure to talk to him/her and let them know how you are feeling. I started to feel a little queasy at one point, so I told her and she was able to stop that right away by adjusting my IV meds.

Once my catheter was taken out, 20 hours post surgery, I was able to get up. To echo the others, walking helped tremendously. I was able to be off percocet pretty quickly, and left the hospital only using Motrin. It's now 5 days post surgery, and I am pretty much back to normal, albeit I'm walking a bit slower and shorter distances.

What to expect for c-section

Everything about this thread terrifies me. I had my daughter vaginally the first time and hafta have a csection this time. Ughh can't the stork bring my baby.. sigh..

Re: What to expect for c-section

What to expect for c-section

Thank you everyone! I'm so nervous.. Especially with the spinal.. I had a bad experience with that once...

Re: What to expect for c-section