Oxygen during c-section??

rmbarry1

I was placed in the hospital a week ago just for 24 hour monitoring and to receive the steroid shots in case I delivered early (10mm cervix, 80% effaced). I ended up in the hospital for 4 days for continued monitoring. One evening I was woke up in the middle of the night because baby B's heart rate dropped. They rushed in unexpectedly, started messing with the monitors, drug the u/s machine in, etc. I had no idea what the issue was. Then another nurse came in and strapped an oxygen mask to me. That's when I freaked out. I started hyperventilating and shaking. I couldn't stand the mask on my face. I felt claustraphobic instantly. I kept pulling it away from my face. Turns out everything was fine. They just think the baby grabbed her cord for a few seconds. I was literally a mess though.

Having said all that, I am PETRIFIED now of having my elective c-section. Will I need to have an oxygen mask during it? I'll panic, I just know it. It's like the only thing I can think of. It's causing me horrible anxiety and sleepless nights. I'm afraid I'll hyperventilate again and not be able to breathe or calm down.

Can anyone elaborate on whether or not they had to have a mask? I plan to tell my dr about my phobia before the procedure hoping that they'll take that into consideration.

Rachel Goldstein

I did not have anything covering my face for my RCS. The anesthesiologist can give you a tranquilizer if you are feeling panicky. I was very zen during my procedure but I know that is not the norm so they should offer it to you if you need it.

I'm sorry you had a scare with Baby B, glad it turned out to be nothing!

Mrs. Alice

It is not routine to have an oxygen mask on during a c/s.  You will most likely have oxygen through a nasal cannula (nose prongs).  I would definitely address your concerns with the anesthesiologist when they consult with you prior to your c/s so they can relieve your anxiety.

rmbarry1

I can't even tell you how relieving it is to hear that an oxygen mask is not used. It's so silly that, of all things, this is what I'm worried about. I will DEFINITELY tell them about my concerns prior and hope they take me seriously.

Ruthie04

I had a mask, but they removed it after the boys came so we could take pictures. They never put it back on. I would definitely discuss your concerns with the anesthesiologist. I'm sure you are not the first to have a similar concern.

carrotcake06

I had an oxygen mask w the vaginal delivery of my singleton bc his heart rate dipped while I was pushing.

My c/s w my twins was under general anesthesia, so obvs I had an oxygen mask to put me out.

So I don't think it's routine, but I would def let everyone who's caring for you during your c/s know how you feel.

brookith

Sorry you had that experience, but I just wanted to let you know the same thing happened to me. I was in the hospital for monitoring and baby B's heart rate dropped, so it was a quick panic and they put the oxygen on me. It caused a lot of anxiety for me too, but just because I did not know what was going on and why they put the oxygen mask on. I wanted to rip it off the whole time. Same situation as you that Baby B was grabbing the cord. 

I did not have an mask for my c-section though. It is not routine, so hopefully you will not need it! Hope all goes well!

MrsCali_Bride

I had an oxygen mask for my c-section but I think it may be routine at my hospital. It was my first surgery ever so I don't know. I know it was off shortly after the twins were out, and definitely before I was wheeled to recovery.

I'm so sorry that you had such a traumatic experience. I would definitely talk to your OB, the nurses and the anesthesiologist about your fears when the time comes for you to deliver. Talk to your OB at your next appt. and ask if he/she can possibly put a note into your file ahead of time.

HattieDornbush

I never had oxygen during my csection.

pea-kay

I didn't have oxygen, either. It's definitely not a foregone conclusion. I don't think I'd like that, either. I had nitrous oxide once during a dental procedure, and didn't like having the thing on my face.

shaunah816

I had oxygen through nose prongs at mine (which I wasn't expecting), but if I'm remembering correctly they said it was just to keep me more comfortable. So, if I'd pushed and said no, I don't want it, I think they would've taken it away.

PurrCrasher

I had a mask during my c-section but mine was an emergency due to a placental abruption so that may have played a role. I don't think my O2 sats were ever actually low but I was so worried about the babies that I didn't have time to question it. I was so distracted by everything going on that I really didn't notice it.

kgs0505

I think you are probably associating the whole scary event into that oxygen mask.  The mask itself is what you are focusing on, rather than the event itself.  I'm not saying it's wrong or weird, because fear isn't rational, but I think if you think it through, maybe the mask won't be so scary.  Something about them adding the mask made the whole thing a lot scarier and real and now that mask is symbolizing the panic.  That said, I never had a mask that I recall.  Nasal canulas, I had for sure.  Just talk to your doctors and the anestesiologist about it.

megs2011

Mrs. Alice said:

You will most likely have oxygen through a nasal cannula (nose prongs). 

I don't think I had oxygen. I know I definitely had this in recovery though.

starrkitten89

I had the nasal cannula during my RCS.

JTA2426

I didn't wear O2 during my emergency CS even though I was complaining that I could not breathe and asking for it. Giving mom o2 can help a drop in baby's heart rate, so that is probably why you got it- not because of the possibility of c-section. When it comes time to deliver them, warn your nurse or anesthesiologist about your anxiety and they can give you something if you have to wear the oxygen again.