C-Section Anxiety

gladygirlca

I just scheduled my c-section for my second baby. (Babies are only 12 months apart so I didn't have a huge choice for trying to natural.  I'm a caution girl.)  My first baby was born via emergency c-section, and even though I was exhausted and drugged, I was super nervous and anxious on the table.  It was only the exhaustion that kept me from freaking out.

I've spoken to my OB about how to manage my anxiety that is going to come with the scheduled c-section.  I'm wondering if any moms out there have any advice for how to manage the pre-surgery anxiety? 

AlwaysForgetful

I was less anxious with the non emergency Csections. My first was also an emergency Csection at 28 weeks. Although it was 14 months apart for the first 2 kids.

Talking helped some about it and also knowing what was happening this time around helped a lot to. Try to not focus on the surgical part, but on seeing your baby or maybe on what pictures you want taken. See if your hospital will allow an MP3 player for you or something. Be  sure to discuss your anxiety at the intake and also when they are preparing you.

I did have an anxiety attack on the table. It is an odd feeling having them tug you about. I was offered something for it, but they decided no to in the end because my blood pressure went down. The anesthesiologist was helpful because unlike with the emergency Csection, he was talking to me and you could tell he was trying to distract me.

knottie3c0525a8a3c64eaa

On the same boat but at the same time I think it could not be worse than the emergency csection with my first

CopperT0p

I would guess it will be better this time since you know what to expect during the surgery and in recovery.  The fear of the unknown is usually what got me worried the first time around.  I knew I was probably going to have a c-section with the first so I read up on it as much as I could.  I still hoped the whole way through I could have a natural birth but I prepared for a c-section just in case. I felt very prepared so when the c-section came it wasn't a huge shock and I felt as good as I possibly could have about it. 

hmontty

Both of mine were scheduled, and I was terrified for both.

For the first one, my surgery was smooth (although I was terrified), but then the recovery was so bad (very bad gas pains) that for my second, I was terrified again. I must say that my recovery for number 2 was like totally easy, probably because I knew what to expect and what to do, but my surgery was a nightmare -- the spinal did not take on the left side of my body, so I literally felt the surgery on the left side and was screaming on the table until the baby was out and they could give me super strong stuff to basically black me out.

Nightmare. I am actually choosing not to have a third simply because I cannot mentally tolerate another C-section.

My babies are all huge, so vaginal birth is out of the question (especially now, after two sections).

CutieBean79

I've never had a c-section, but if I end up needing one with this baby I've already told my husband I'll be requesting Valium or Xanax before they even start.  I have panic disorder and get anxiety just thinking about being strapped down with a sheet in front of my face.  I almost think an unplanned c-section would be better for me because I won't have a scheduled date to dread. 

Winecheese&grapes

Usually emergency sections are performed at break neck speed with little to no explanation or compassion. The goal is to deliver a live baby that is currently in some kind of distress. Not making it a calm relaxing event for mom. By having notice that the next section is going to occur before hand it will be a TOTALLY different experience. You will still have anxiety but I don't think it will be anywhere near what the first one was. You will be able to talk about it, ask questions and get an understanding of everything. I bet the doctors even talk to you more during the process. It's just a more relaxed surgery. STILL A SURGERY, but less frantic. I hope you have a better experience.

Lauren79

hmontty:

Both of mine were scheduled, and I was terrified for both.

For the first one, my surgery was smooth (although I was terrified), but then the recovery was so bad (very bad gas pains) that for my second, I was terrified again. I must say that my recovery for number 2 was like totally easy, probably because I knew what to expect and what to do, but my surgery was a nightmare -- the spinal did not take on the left side of my body, so I literally felt the surgery on the left side and was screaming on the table until the baby was out and they could give me super strong stuff to basically black me out.

Nightmare. I am actually choosing not to have a third simply because I cannot mentally tolerate another C-section.

My babies are all huge, so vaginal birth is out of the question (especially now, after two sections).

 

This is me. I was in labor for 16 hours. I ended up having an emergency C-section. The epidural wore off and I felt the entire surgery.  They were not listening to me as I was freaking out on the table in pain.  The doctor finally said he couldn't work on me because I was moving.  The last thing I remember was my face being covered by a mask.  I am now told I have to have another C-section.  The anxiety is killing me and I have already decided I will not have a third because I am terrified.   

morrison4319

Jules122907:

I had an emergency c with my first and scheduled with my second. My biggest fear about the scheduled was the spinal. Totally freaked me out even though the epi with my first wasn't a big deal.

Yes. Yes. Yes. The spinal freaked me out too. I think because I was so nervous about it I ended up having an anxiety attack on the table. They said they laid me down too fast which caused my blood pressure to drop and the room started spinning. I couldn't breathe. It was horrible. We are currently TTC our 3rd. I will request something for anxiety for sure this time. Recovery was a breeze just like my first CS though even with a 15 month old at home.

gladygirlca

That's a lot of amazing stories and information.  Sorry to the mommas who had bad experiences.  The advice about this time being more relaxed and different is good to keep in mind.  My OB joked that in comparison to the first one, this next one will be like a trip to the spa.  LOL.  Not a spa I'd want to frequent, but I get the idea.  I'll try to keep the difference in perspective as the time approaches.  My OB said she could prescribe something for the day before and morning of if I really think I need it, and so I'll keep that in mind as well.  I'm hoping my recovery is similarly easy as my son will be 12.5 months when his brother is born.  But that's a worry for another post.

 Thanks everyone!