How long does the actual c-section take?

lrrb · October 2011

First, I'm having twins, both are head down so there's a good chance I will be able to have a vaginal birth but I understand that with twins anything can happen so I'm getting ready.

Second, I have VERY serious vertigo and laying down on my back is honestly not a good option for me. As it could trigger a 3 month attack (no joke) which is the last thing I need having a newborn twins.

My question is how long from time you lay down to the time they let you sit up (inclined) in bed? And also is there any way they can tilt you up a tiny bit in surgery? I'm going to ask my OB next appt but I'm 32 weeks now and I know anything can happen at any time and my next appt isn't for 8 days.

Thanks ladies!

kate05 · October 2011

I went in at 3:30pm and it took about 10 minutes to get me prepped. DD was born at 3:54pm and I was sitting up when I left the room at about 4:30pm ish. Mine took about 45minutes to an hour.

lrrb · October 2011

kate05:
I went in at 3:30pm and it took about 10 minutes to get me prepped. DD was born at 3:54pm and I was sitting up when I left the room at about 4:30pm ish. Mine took about 45minutes to an hour.

I know this sounds crazy but an hour is just too long for me. I really don't know what Ill do if I have to have a c-section I'm scared out of my mind (and NOT bc of the surgery, I've had plenty of things done) that it will trigger an episode for me which is just NOT an option for me with newborn twins. I'm really wanting to get to my OB and have a nice long chat about my options at this point....

BELLABAY24 · October 2011

You could do general anesthesia

cassoppea · October 2011

Mine took about 45 min - an hour. I really don't think they can sit you up for the surgery. Maybe they could prop your head, but not your body. I would discuss it with your doctor - maybe general would be best for you?

ACC0512 · October 2011

In the video I posted below they say in the video that they tilt the bed for part of the c-section. It may be an option. Although it may not be enough of a tilt to help you.

Are there any other things that could help?

I'm not any help with how long, for me it was sort of a time warp. I really had no concept of time.

ChiTown Bridget · October 2011

I walked into the OR at 1:35pm and had ds at 2:02pm. I can't beleive how fast it was. About 10 minutes to prep and ds was delivered within 15-20 minutes. I can't remember exactly how long it took for me to get wheeled into recovery (maybe 20-25 minutes) I was pretty groggy from the meds.

shouldbworkin · October 2011

Mine have been about 40 mins. 20 mins to get baby out and 20 mins to sew me up. And, the table was reclined with my head down during it too. =( Definitely talk to them about your vertigo issues. that's important to mention.

lrrb · October 2011

Thanks ladies. I'm honestly starting to think that either a c-section with general or just trying my best to have a vaginal delivery is best for me and my vertigo. I go to the dr in 7 days and we will discuss. Honestly laying flat is just NOT an option for me - not for an hour at least.

lrrb · October 2011

lrachelle80:
I had a pillow under my head - not sure how much you need to be propped up. But I get dizzy if I lay super flat. I imagine you could be up a bit more. It was only 20 minutes from start to finish for the surgery, but the prep, etc. took probably closer to 45. However, you might have more leeway being propped up for the parts that aren't the actual surgery.

Thank you, I'm really looking forward to chatting with my OB next Monday about my options. At this point I totally would do general if that meant I wouldn't have to deal with months and months of vertigo. I know that sounds so crazy to people but its bad, really bad. I do like the idea of maybe being able to be propped up during prep and finish I could do 20 minutes but NOT 45/hour. I just need to really hope that my vaginal twin birth can pan out for me...that would be ideal haha.