Too "out of it" to be excited about gender?

NuggetJo · January 2012

I will most likely be having a C-section due to a heart condition and are wondering how "aware" you are during the C-section? DH does not want to find out the gender of our baby as he wants to be surprised on the day, I am on the other side of the fence. My concern is that I will be too out of it to be properly excited...does that make sense? I would prefer to find out at the 20wk scan as I know I will be fully alert and can let everything sink in...

does anyone have any experience with this one?

MAprincess · January 2012

We found out at the anatomy scan at 20 weeks. My c/s was unplanned, but I can tell you that I responded pretty poorly to the anesthesia. It made me so sick that I could barely form a sentence (and that sentence was usually, "I'm going to be sick"). I am glad I knew before he was born that he was a boy. While I remember his birth clearly, it was downhill fast for me about 10 minutes after his birth until about three hours later.

I know people who decided that if one wanted to wait until the birth and the other didn't, so one found out and kept the secret.

You might want to remind him that on the day of the c/s, you might already be anxiety ridden and even if you breeze through it (some people do), you are afraid that you might be a little foggy and will miss that big "surprise" moment as a result. I am sure he is not really thinking of it from your end.

Punken13 · January 2012

although I knew the gender of the boys before my c-section I was pretty aware of what was going on in the room during the surgery......There is no way I could wait the entire pregnancy without knowing the baby's gender...lol

cassoppea · January 2012

I found out the sex of my DD at my anatomy scan. I was fully awake for the c/s but felt so naseous and bleh that I don't think I would have really enjoyed the excitement of the moment, had I waited to find out. I would be concerned about needing to be put under GA for some reason an then both myself and my DH missing it! I guess if you want it to be surprise you just have to be prepared that there may not be that grand "it's a ...." moment. Maybe you can compromise and have a gender reveal party beforehand?

pepomntpat · January 2012

My c/s was unplanned. I was overwhelmed and scared, but I was completely aware of what was going on. I listened for DD's first cry and watched for her to be brought over. I think without being in labor and having a relatively calm approach to the c/s I would have been even more with it.

Other than shakes as the spinal wore off I didn't have too much of a reaction to the anesthesia. I know some people respond differently though.

JG362009 · January 2012

We didn't find out this pregnancy but that's my biggest fear if I have to have another c-section.

NiknTrev · January 2012

pepomntpat:
My c/s was unplanned. I was overwhelmed and scared, but I was completely aware of what was going on. I listened for DD's first cry and watched for her to be brought over. I think without being in labor and having a relatively calm approach to the c/s I would have been even more with it.
Other than shakes as the spinal wore off I didn't have too much of a reaction to the anesthesia. I know some people respond differently though.

this was my experience as well. We were Team Green. I was very alert and aware especially when the doctor said It's a Boy!

KellyAnn911 · January 2012

I was completely "with it" during my section. I don't see how you could be too "out of it" during the section as they don't drug you up during. You get a spinal which just numbs you from your stomach down. I was able to have a conversation with DH and the anesthesiologist during surgery.

uncharch7 · January 2012

Mine was unplanned, but I blacked out. The last thing I remember is screaming that I could feel them cutting, the first thing I remember after that is not being able to open my eyes and the nurse asking if I wanted to see my baby. I kept saying no for about an hour because I literally couldn't keep my eyes open.

I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority though. I had issues with hot spots with the epidural during labor, then I honestly don't know what happened with the spinal.

ar52kortlang · January 2012

I had an unplanned c section do to baby not fitting through pelvic bone. When I went in for my c section the spinnal did not work so I was knocked out... My husband wasn't allowed to be in the or either!!! Our daughter was born at 922pm and we were not allowed to see her till the following morning because I was still waiting for the drugs to wear off and wake up... Hubby could have seen her but he wanted to wait for me!

magdalina.h · January 2012

We find out at the anatomy scan, but you are aware of everything (unless you have to be put under for some reason) that it would be just as exciting.

MDmama519 · January 2012

We did find out the sex of DS at the anatomy scan. My c-section was unplanned (failed induction).

I had a spinal block and had no problem with feeling "out of it". I was aware of my surroundings, talking to the nurses and to DH. I was thrilled when they held him above the curtain for me to see.

I'll never forget it either. I can still remember it like it was yesterday and it's been almost 3 years!

sabrina69barnes · January 2012

MAprincess:

I can tell you that I responded pretty poorly to the anesthesia. It made me so sick that I could barely form a sentence (and that sentence was usually, "I'm going to be sick").

I felt exactly like this when DS2 was born. With DS1 I was given a sedative so I was very sleepy but I felt fine and was still alert. This time I'll be asking for a sedative again.

If DH really wants to wait I think you should. I kinda wish I hadn't known until DS2 was born. It would have been a really nice distraction to feeling so horrible. This time I chose to find out but I debated not because of how horrible I felt and thought the suprise would help this time.

mben1119 · January 2012

KellyAnn911:
I was completely "with it" during my section. I don't see how you could be too "out of it" during the section as they don't drug you up during. You get a spinal which just numbs you from your stomach down. I was able to have a conversation with DH and the anesthesiologist during surgery.

They messed up my epidural and gave me a spinal, and messed up my dosages completely-I was passed out through most of my c-section, and barely remember any of it. I don't remember most of the recovery room either.

EveryNameIWantIsTaken · January 2012

We didn't find out this time and I was totally aware when we found out she was a girl. With ds, I had a long labor before and had bad reactions to all the drugs in my body during the c-section and was in and out of it but I still would have been alert enough to be excited to find out he was a boy if we hadn't already known.

Seriously, being team green was the coolest thing. It was amazing when they took her out and announced it. It was fun when everyone in the o.r. was guessing whether it was a boy or a girl, they were all excited to find out right along with us. And, once we got past the 20 week scan, it was easy to live with the decision to not find out.

MAprincess · January 2012

KellyAnn911:
I was completely "with it" during my section. I don't see how you could be too "out of it" during the section as they don't drug you up during. You get a spinal which just numbs you from your stomach down. I was able to have a conversation with DH and the anesthesiologist during surgery.

Um, the spinal is "drugs". What do you think it is made of that numbs you?? Everyone responds differently to it (I was given a spinal- you can read how well that went for me in my previous reply).

In addition to my reaction during the c/s, it continued to get worse in recovery which resulted in them knocking me out for three hours. Then there was the massive allergic reaction it turns out I had to it. . . so, again- spinal is drugs and every person reacts differently, including feeling "out of it".

Shi Mommy · January 2012

I got some sort of anti anxiey meds pushed into my IV before they started cutting. I felt like I was drunk or high until about an hour or 2 after the surgery. I was so out of it when they said its a girl I said what? then the dr showed her to us and I said oh good she doesnt have 3 heads! the whole OR went silent and just stared at me for a moment and the anasethsologist (sorry for spelling) looked and said I did give her the right meds. Can't wait to tell her that one when she gets older!

RA1109 · January 2012

I was 100% aware during my scheduled c-section. A lot more aware than I was at the hellish nightmare that was my 1st DS's vaginal birth.

beckbech · January 2012

I was definitely 100% aware during my two scheduled c/s. I was carrying on normal conversations with my doctor, the nurses, the anesthesiologists and my DH. The spinal just numbed me from my rib cage down and they gave me some anti-nausea meds in my IV whenever I felt queasy. Nothing that made me drowsy or out of it though. I got to take a quick peak at my DDs right after they took them out. I knew the sex but could've definitely enjoyed a gender reveal.

KellyAnn911 · January 2012

MAprincess:

KellyAnn911:
I was completely "with it" during my section. I don't see how you could be too "out of it" during the section as they don't drug you up during. You get a spinal which just numbs you from your stomach down. I was able to have a conversation with DH and the anesthesiologist during surgery.

Um, the spinal is "drugs". What do you think it is made of that numbs you?? Everyone responds differently to it (I was given a spinal- you can read how well that went for me in my previous reply).

In addition to my reaction during the c/s, it continued to get worse in recovery which resulted in them knocking me out for three hours. Then there was the massive allergic reaction it turns out I had to it. . . so, again- spinal is drugs and every person reacts differently, including feeling "out of it".

Obviously the spinal is drugs. I'm sorry you had a bad reaction to the spinal. Feeling "out of it" is not the reaction that is intended. If it works like it is supposed to then most people do not feel "out of it".

MAprincess · January 2012

KellyAnn911:
MAprincess:

KellyAnn911:
I was completely "with it" during my section. I don't see how you could be too "out of it" during the section as they don't drug you up during. You get a spinal which just numbs you from your stomach down. I was able to have a conversation with DH and the anesthesiologist during surgery.

Um, the spinal is "drugs". What do you think it is made of that numbs you?? Everyone responds differently to it (I was given a spinal- you can read how well that went for me in my previous reply).

In addition to my reaction during the c/s, it continued to get worse in recovery which resulted in them knocking me out for three hours. Then there was the massive allergic reaction it turns out I had to it. . . so, again- spinal is drugs and every person reacts differently, including feeling "out of it".

Obviously the spinal is drugs. I'm sorry you had a bad reaction to the spinal. Feeling "out of it" is not the reaction that is intended. If it works like it is supposed to then most people do not feel "out of it".

I didn't mean to come off rude, but since there are chemicals in it, people respond differently to being exposed to it. Also, a spinal has a different chemical make-up at different hospitals. So, it is a crap-shoot if you are sensitive to those things. A large number of people I know didn't feel totally clear with the spinal, but I suppose it is a personal opinion how the feeling goes. I am just glad I could feel my lungs- they said it was possible I wouldn't be able to.

daenikoffre · January 2012

I could fully comprehend everything, but simply couldn't express myself very well until a good day and a half afterwards. Although I was over the top excited I think I just said, "ohhhkay" when I got to see him for the first time.

It was weird. And I hardly remember a goddamn thing. I just remember shaking and being really cold when in recovery.

ETA: fwiw, my c/s was unplanned

iris427 · January 2012

My c/s was unplanned after a long labor, so it might be different for a scheduled c/s. I was so nauseous and tired that I would not have enjoyed the "it's a girl!" moment. Thankfully we had found out at our anatomy scan, so the moment wasn't ruined. During my c/s I was so focused on just getting through the surgery and not throwing up while I was strapped down flat on my back, that I didn't pay that much attention to my baby until I was in the recovery room.

Jujumom2012 · January 2012

With my first, I knew the gender, I had an unplanned c-section and was out of it. I had been given a sedative due to a "faulty" epidural. I have some memories but a lot are a little foggy.

With my second, I knew the gender and I had a planned c-section. I had a spinal and it was a dream delivery (except that it was a c-section). I remember everything.

Now with my third, I plan to wait until delivery.

My choice to wait this time is because I have a boy and girl, so I don't feel the need to plan ahead as much as I did with the first 2.

I think either way you choose, it is a great surprise and just awesome.

katmacwv · January 2012

I knew DD was a girl by 16 weeks of pregnancy, and we've already found out that this one is a girl. My c-section was sort of planned, though DD came before her scheduled date. I was totally aware of everything going on and was definitely "with it" the entire time. I was aware enough to feel embarrassed with my legs sprawled on the table after the spinal, which I could feel but not see with the curtain in front of me. I did have a hard time holding DD at first because I was shaking and cold, but I was well aware of every moment of the birth and recovery.

ark83 · January 2012

First of all, mad props to you if you wait until the big day to find out the gender! I would love to do that, but am afraid I am much too impatient!

As for as my c-section goes, it was not planned, and it was after an extremely hard labor. I was passing in and out by the time of the c-section and was running a fever, so I am not sure if that has anything to do with the fact I was out of it, but I was very out of it. I remember her first cry and them saying she was running a high fever, and I remember screaming and getting yelled at, but I do not remember a lot of the whole thing. So for me, I would have been way too out of it to have that "It's a GIRL" moment I dream of. A ton of women have no problem though...especially when it is a planned c-section. Scheduled sections seem to be easier.

caprocornia · January 2012

We waited to find out the gender, and my c/s was unplanned after 31 hours of labor at 1:45 am. I was still totally with it, and had my "It's a GIRL" moment. I don't regret not finding out, and in fact we probably won't find out with number 2, especially if I have a RCS. I totally understand that if people don't respond well to the meds, they might feel differently.

jjhp2018 · January 2012

I knew with both of my other pregnancies but we have discussed waiting with this one. I don't know how good we will hold out at the 20w scan though lol.

That being said - my c-section was unplanned and followed after I stalled out during my induction and my DD wouldn't come down.

I had been laboring without an epi so I was pretty tired by the time we did the c-sec. I was just finally happy to be done with pain lol. And it was so fast I don't "remember much".

My doc actually didn't announce what it was ... not that I can remember. I remember them holding her up and me saying "she has HAIR" lol. Then I remember me asking them why it felt like her hand was in my lungs when she was cleaning out the placenta haha. I also remember the monitors going off signaling my BP was falling and them telling me they were giving me meds to bring it back up but the rest of it was a blur - even when I got back to my room I only remember parts. Partly because of good pain meds too lol.

jbdec28 · January 2012

We waited until DD was born but if I was ever to do it again I would find out at the scan. I was so exhausted after a horrible labour and emergency c-section that I was "out-of-it". When they told me she was a girl I don't remember having a reaction at all. I was numb, physically and emotionally.

If we decide to have more children I want to find out before birth because I want to truly be able to feel the joy and excitement that comes along with finding out the gender of our baby.

mlf625 · January 2012

I've had two very positive c/s experiences. We did know the sex each time. If/when we have #3, I'll likely have a repeat c/s, and we'll wait to find out the sex. I was definitely alert and excited during the first two births, so if the 3rd goes as well, I wouldn't have a problem enjoying the surprise moment.

byrne15 · January 2012

I didn't know I was going to have a c-section, but I did find out at 20 weeks. I am so glad I did, since I was under general anesthesia for the c-section.

austenreader85 · January 2012

I had a planned c/s for medical reasons but found out the gender at the anatomy scan. I felt entirely with it during the surgery. DH and I even talked some. I'm considering being team green when we have #2 and I will most likely have to be a repeat c/s. I had a spinal and had a great experience with it, no puking. I've had other surgeries with general anesthesia and totally puked for those. The only real side effect I had with the spinal was that I had some itching after recovery ended and they were able to give me something for that.

GVSU-04 · January 2012

KellyAnn911:
I was completely "with it" during my section. I don't see how you could be too "out of it" during the section as they don't drug you up during. You get a spinal which just numbs you from your stomach down. I was able to have a conversation with DH and the anesthesiologist during surgery.

This was my experience as well.

shouldbworkin · January 2012

i was definitely not out of it either time. the 2nd time, I probably would have fallen off the table if I hadn't been strapped down b/c I was so shocked. I thought we were having a boy the whole time. Both moments rank in the top 3 of my life. I was very "there" and a part of it.

canthardlywait426 · January 2012

I was 100% aware and focused during my c section. As long as you're not put under, I don't see why there would be an issue.

Good luck! I wasn't strong enough to wait until delivery to find out but several of my friends waited and they loved it.

loganlac · January 2012

uncharch7:

Mine was unplanned, but I blacked out. The last thing I remember is screaming that I could feel them cutting, the first thing I remember after that is not being able to open my eyes and the nurse asking if I wanted to see my baby. I kept saying no for about an hour because I literally couldn't keep my eyes open.

I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority though. I had issues with hot spots with the epidural during labor, then I honestly don't know what happened with the spinal.

I was team green and my experience was almos this exactly, but I definitely think we are in the minority.

@uncharch7 - thanks for sharing this. I have always felt no one understood the situation and have struggled with that still.

Shpinz2011 · January 2012

We were team green up until he was born. As soon as they pulled him out my first question was "Boy or Girl?" I was completely thrilled and was more aware than I thought I would be. It was an amazing experience!

uncharch7 · January 2012

loganlac:
uncharch7:

Mine was unplanned, but I blacked out. The last thing I remember is screaming that I could feel them cutting, the first thing I remember after that is not being able to open my eyes and the nurse asking if I wanted to see my baby. I kept saying no for about an hour because I literally couldn't keep my eyes open.

I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority though. I had issues with hot spots with the epidural during labor, then I honestly don't know what happened with the spinal.

I was team green and my experience was almos this exactly, but I definitely think we are in the minority.

@uncharch7 - thanks for sharing this. I have always felt no one understood the situation and have struggled with that still.

No problem! I'm surprisingly at peace with most of it; though to this day I can't remember seeing him for the first time. I remember being wheeled down the hall back to my room, and I know I breastfed soon after seeing him, but I have no memories of actually meeting him. That makes me sad. I only remember bits and pieces up to about 8 hours after delivery.

Page me if you want to chat!

Ardmhs83 · January 2012

We were team green throughout my entire pregnancy. Neither one of us wanted to know what we were having. I am glad we decided on this...the best decision of my life. It was the most awesome surprise ever. If you can go team green...it will be well worth it. I had a planned c-secion b/c my LO turned breech at week 28 and stayed that way. I was 100% aware of my surroundings during my section. I heard the first cry and everything. My husband went to go see what the baby was and he was the one who came back to my head with my son. Best day ever! :-)

cottonlily84 · January 2012

I had anesthesia problems too. The spinal didn't work well and my BP dropped. They started giving me all this other stuff that made me feel like I had to hang on not to pass out. Once the baby was out I started going really woozy. DH had to get my attention to look at the dr holding her up for me. I don't even remember them putting my legs up to take the cerclage out at all. It was not so much dizzy either but I had to concentrate so hard on not passing out I was missing other stuff.

But I will tell you that all my friends who've had c/s have NOT had these problems and were totally aware of their surroundings. And afterwards I was back thinking straight as soon as I was in recovery and was getting excited about the weight and all that stuff they tell you. If you have to have a c/s for something as serious as a heart condition then you should talk to your doctor about anesthesia options and concerns. You should have the best most alert delivery you can! I had great nurse anesthetists who came and talked to me about worries before my surgeries too.

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