Did you have a scheduled c/s?

Hey girls

Just wondering for those of you who have had scheduled c/s's can I pick your brain for a minute!?

Let me explain first.......with Gemma I laboured for 21 hours got to 9cm and stayed there for 4 hours, no progress, so rushed up for an emergency c/s. I honestly remember very little about it, I'm pretty sure I feel asleep a few times on the table!LOL! I was exhausted and had sampled most of the drugs they had on hand! I had a spinal tap for the c/s as the epi only numbed my right side.

So my questions are..........

1. Was it totally uncomfortable feeling all the tugging and pulling etc?
2. did they give you and epi or spinal tap?
3. Would you do it again?
4. How aware were you of everything they were doing?

I've kinda decided on having a scheduled c/s as I've been having sever gallbladder attacks and don't fancy having one while labouring! But the thought of being totally aware of it, all the pulling and tugging grosses me out and I'm terrifed of needles. So I guess I'm after reassurance...........no huge horror stories please!!

Hi, I'm in the same boat as you. So I can't answer any of your questions - sorry. I also had an emergency c/s for the same reason you did.

I don't recall feeling any tugging or pulling but it may of been because I was exhausted like you.

I have decided to have a scheduled c/s as well so I would like to know the answers to these questions as well.

I had an epidural for my previous c/s.

Hi Kirsty

I had an elective CS for DS, and will b booking in for another with no 2. The thought of a vbac scares me more than another cs.

The feelings you describe of pulling and pushing, arent that bad, especially if you are expecting the sensations of it IYKWIM. A strange feeling more than uncomfortable You shouldnt feel any pain whatsoever.


I had a spinal tap, and would have another next time too. I had no probs with it being inserted etc.

I was totally aware of everything that was going on. I can remember everything like it was only yesterday. I had no pre meds to make me drowsy. So every thing was crystal clear, right down to the image of DS when he was pulled out!!! Burnt into my head LOL!!

Good luck with everything, hope all goes well for you, as it did for me!

Hi Kirsty. Ive had one emergency forceps delivery, one emergency c section and 2 scheduled c sections. The tugging you mentioned is very noticeable but not that uncomfortable. I was fully aware of what was going on and able to breastfeed after about 40mins after bubs being born..after the initial first contact. I had a epidural and unfortunately have had bad experiences with them but I wont harp on that ....my midwives were aware of that at the time with Sammy so were helpful in trying to alleviate my concerns. Me...if I had my choices again would never had scheduled an elective c section for Olivia. At the time I thought it would be the best option after 2 quite traumatic birth interventions. I can so understand your concerns and its wonderful you are trying to see both sides and make the right decision for you. Goodluck with whatever you decide

Jo

Thanks so much everyone for your positive responses, guess I'm starting to freak out as time is closing in.

Brooke-I found the thread!Thanks!!

Kirsty, I am having a scheduled c/s in a matter of days......I shall come back to report to you!

But as you probably know, I had an emergency c/s with Jacob and I was very aware of the pulling/tugging, but felt no pain at all. For the emergency c/s, I had had an epidural put in during labour, and then the spinal block drugs were administered through the epidural infusion and the EI stayed in place for 24 hours afterwards for pain relief.

This time around, I am just having a straight spinal block, where the needle goes in, they administer the drugs, and then the needle is taken out.

Like I said, I will report further when I can........!!

Thanks Melinda and Theresa! I'll be waiting to hear all about it Melinda!LOL!

Thats great Theresa as my sister said the same thing as you...that the second c/s was soooo much easier. I;'m just terrifed of surgery and needles!LOL! Crazy as I've done it all before but really cannot remember it!Thank you so much for putting my mind at ease!

I know what you mean! I'm just a bunch of nerves thinking about it but I know on the day I'll be fine.

B456, I would feel more anxious the next time round too than the first. I think for me, I prefer the unknown, rather than the known LOL!!! We get thru it in the end no matter what though!!!
Good luck to you both xx

I'm pleased to hear your response Theresa, because I have been anxious about it too, as it's a different scenario to when Jacob was born......and well, I just feel plain old anxious.

But only time will tell.....

I loved the fact that I turned up in the morning with no contractions and it was a calm atmosphere. I too definatley will be having another. As for the pulling yep it is quite weird but also the staff in the theatre were all prepared for my surgery and nothing was rushed including the anethesis who talked to me before being wheeled to theatre and also there. There was also time for a bit of chit chat putting us all at ease.
Good luck Melinda!!
Bec

With Kat it was an emerg c/s and with Jess, I was booked in for unstable lie. I recovered a heck of a lot faster and found it a breeze the second time. I wasn't as stressed and nor was my body and it was sooooo much easier! The staff were wonderful and everything went smoothly. I had a epidural both times, but the second time was great.... It should be easier the second time as with emergancy c/s's we usually have been thru hrs of labour, our bodies are exhausted and don't recover very well.... Goodluck and I hope I have been of some assistance in allaying ur worries....

Hi Girls,

Jumping in a bit late here ...

Mine was scheduled and I had the spinal block. I didn't even feel it going in. I think because the c/sec was planned, the atmosphere around the whole thing was actually quite calm and centred. I felt the doctor doing something but no actual pain or any very strong sensation as such. I recovered very well and quickly afterwards. As a result of this, I wouldn't have a problem going through the same procedure again if it was necessary.

If you'd like to talk about it further, please feel free to PM. Good luck with your caesareans ladies and I wish you a swift and easy recovery.

Mel

I agree Brooke. Its made me feel so much more at ease. Corey's read all of your responses too and has liked what hes read.

Melinda will be the first to report back!!

Goodluck Melinda!!

Thanks for the well wishes - I will definitely give a full and thorough report when I can to give you all some further feedback.

I know I've really benefited from reading the replies in this thread too - great thinking Kirsty!

3 scheduled c.sections for me due to a small pelvis.
nikki

OK, here I am, reporting back as promised!!!

The anaesthetist put in a local anaesthetic before the spinal, so what I felt was minimal. I felt some pushing/prodding from the needle going in, but that was it. It was a bit uncomfortable and I admit, I too was scared so I was a bit tense as it was going in (plus having a contraction at the same time as I'd actually started going into labour!). I was laying on my side to have it put in.

It took effect very quickly, and then the catheter was put in.

I felt a lot of pulling/tugging, but no pain whatsoever. I felt sick within only a few minutes, but was given drugs to counteract this which worked successfully for a while. I felt a bit funny in terms of my breathing, but it settled down.

After Ruby was born, I started to feel unwell again, and unfortunately started vomiting (the drugs didn't work that time). I was sick 3 times.

All in all, it seemed to take longer than the c/s with Jacob (I guess I was much more aware of what was going on though, compared to last time, plus it was a bit longer as they did an additional procedure called an apronectomy to remove some skin).

Recovery-wise: definitely better this time, although I am bruised and battered from the extra surgery. Yes, there is definitely pain, but not having laboured, I felt much better otherwise IYKWIM? I was up the following day after her birth and I think had pain relief like pethidine, panadeine forte, voltaren suppositories etc as required for a few days.

Yeh it numbs the area around where they put in the spinal tap. Like if you were to ahve stitches or something.

WOw Melinda thanks for reporting back! I can't believe you went into labour! You reckon it was from nervousness?!?! I have a date for my c/s now and am getting nervous! ITs on the 25th oct, hope I make it that far. I guess then you actually classify your c/s as another emergency one as you went into labour!LOL! Glad to hear your recovery is better. I also laboured along time with Gemma (21hours, c/s done after 23hrs) so I'm looking forward to not hurting absolutely everywhere this time!!

I had a "scheduled" c/s with Ned after an emergency c/s with Alex due to p/e. Even though it was technicall a "scheduled" c/s, I wasn't given any other option, as my BP was creeping up again and my cervix was so high they could hardly feel it, let alone get a finger in to determine any dilation (I've never dilated anyway so wouldn't know what it was!)

I had 12 hours notice that I was having a "scheduled" c/s, so I did have a little time to prepare.

Personally, I felt that the recovery was easier because I knew what to expect. I also had a baby who was with me, rather than in the NICU, so that was also better. I knew about BF so was more comfortable with that.

However, I developed a fairly severe infection on Day 3 and don't really remember much of it. I had a temp of over 40 and was on high doses of some fairly spectacular antibiotics and anti-viral medication. I had to have blood tests every six hours to make sure the medications weren't affecting my kidneys.

With both c/s, I had the local anaesthetic before the spinal tap. I was far more nervous with my first than with my second. I didn't feel much pulling or tugging, and didn't vomit with either. The first c/s was definitely quicker than the second because they needed to get Alex out, and also because it was evening and I think they all wanted to go home.

The second c/s was in the morning (9:30am) so I felt better about that.

I also didn't get out of bed until the next day, so had 24 hours in bed rather than 12, and I really felt that doing that helped my pain threshold. I was in SO MUCH pain getting out of bed after Alex, and not so much after Ned.

I also asked the anaesthetist for laxatives with Ned, because I had an anal fissure after Alex which took ages to heal (like months). So I had them from day dot, and that was great, because I didn't have any problems with no 2s. The anaesthetist thought I was a little silly, but once I explained the problem there was no issue.

I also was more aware of my pain threshold during recovery with my second c/s, and took the drugs more regularly. With Alex, I was more concerned about him than myself (obviously because he was in NICU/SCN), whereas I was more relaxed with Ned because he was with me and I didn't have to get up all the time to go to the NICU/SCN. I think the more relaxed I was, the better I felt.

So that's my story.

Yep, the local numbs the area where they put the local in.

Kirsty - yes, I was in the early stages of labour. I lost my show the day before the c/s and was having some irregular contractions (not really painful, just noticeable) and then started having them a bit more frequently and a bit more painful whilst in hospital getting organised for the c/s! It was weird waiting to be wheeled in and lying there having them, particularly when having the spinal! I don't think I'd class it as another emergency one though.......but a good thing that it was scheduled the day that it was as I would have definitely been in there within a 24 hour period having it done regardless! ;)

Thanks for that Divvy!!AM still nervous.

Wow Melinda that was soooo lucky that you were booked in when you were.

Did I mention that I HATE to vomit. I didn't vomit after the c/s with Gemma, but I was soooo out of it and over tired it wasn't funny. I'm scared I might vomit this time! EWWWWWwwwwww!

Melinda, glad to hear it all went well. Congratulations on your little girl ... beautiful name. =)

Div, I'm a non-dilator too. I was preparing myself to be induced, assuming I'd had at least some degree of dilation considering the continuity of the BH contractions and the fact that I was so overdue. I was so disappointed when the ob told me it was still closed tight I nearly cried. My sister had the same problem and had a horror induction labour before getting a caesar with her first child. I was determined to avoid that.

Got that bloody TENS machine for nothing.