Terrified... Over possibly nothing

Breannajohnson9 · May 2012

I am TERRIFIED of the idea of a c-section, but I have no indication that I would need one... But of course, knowing that could change later on does not help.

My fears are probably completely dumb, but I'm terrified of the idea of being awake during it. Not the pain afterward, or the surgery itself. But being awake, hearing the sounds, and knowing that they are cutting into me right at that moment. EVERY TIME I have needed to be numb for one procedure or another, even from getting teeth removed, I've had an issue with not being completely numb when the doctor starts out... The idea of that happening I think is the worst for me. I see myself puking from the sheer pain as they cut into me and I'm not numb. I've had dreams about this even. : / I know... crazy.

Honestly, if it were completely up to me, if I can't have the baby naturally I would be put out completely. But then my DF couldn't be in the room, and I can't take away that chance for him if I can avoid it.

So calm down my fears... ?

HannahO28 · May 2012

I was TERRIFIED of a C-section too. Just irrationally scared of it in general. All I can tell you is that when the time comes, if you do need one, you'll be thinking of your LO first and yourself second, so it won't be as scary. I was terrified, but between getting cut open, and my baby struggling through a vaginal birth that could have killed him.... yeah, the C-section made me MUCH more comfortable.

And it was fine! I was never in any pain and recovery has been a breeze. Try to relax, you'll be just fine.

stemms8810 · May 2012

My surgical nurse, anesthesiologist, and doctor were great about making me feel comfortable and helped calm me. I was crying before and during the surgery because of being anxious and happy to meet my LO. All the staff are trained to make you feel as much at ease as possible.

They definitely make sure you are numb before they cut so don't worry too much about that.

It is overwhelming and scary but with your DF by your side and surgical staff to ease your fears you will do fine.

aprillle · May 2012

When they started my c-section it was such a surreal experience - I didn't even notice much of anything going on. The nurses were so good about talking to me and my H, that before I knew it there was a crying baby in the room and I was wondering whose baby was crying before I realized that it was my crying baby!

I promise, I didn't feel a thing or hear a thing that would alarm me.

skio · May 2012

Ditto the pps - if it comes to it, you will have your baby on your mind, first and foremost! And f you start to get nervous, think of the baby. Think of hearing his/her first cry, of seeing him/her for the first time, of kissing that little head for the first time.

Because of your anxiety over the possibility, though, I suggest working on some calming/meditation techniques ahead of time. Work on going to your happy place, lol. Take deep breaths, have your hubby next to you to help.

If you end up needing a c/s, ask for some anxiety meds. They can give you a valuim or something similar to help calm you.

Finally, FWIW, you don't hear or see anything. You will have your husband and at least one doctor or nurse by your head at all times reassuring you. It's really quite quick - hang in there for ten minutes and your baby will be by your side. Another thing that might help is asking if they'll let your husband and baby STAY by your side while they finish up. In your case, I think this would be helpful and they might be open to consideration. Good luck!

cottonlily84 · May 2012

I was very scared of having one, vowed I wouldn't! Oh well for that! But the bad stuff wasn't what I had expected. At my hospital everyone is very respectful of the fact that this is surgery AND a baby delivery. I won't lie and say it was a fun experience - it was quite the opposite - but that was just my specific situation. All the bad stuff I was afraid of didn't happen. No one jumped on my stomach testing my uterus afterward. No one was rude or said anything insensitive. They allow babies in the recovery room with mom afterward (mine went to the NICU tho). My dr was really concerned with me feeling what he was doing, the CRNA was so helpful with meds and making me feel better. I didn't hear any gross sounds or really feel that crushing can't breathe feeling either. No oan take away your fears though because it is major surgery and I don't know anyone who isn't apprehensive of that. I think about RCS and being put to sleep so I wouldn't have the same problems, but I'm too nosy for that LOL and I couldn't deprive DH of that experience.

oohgrrl11 · May 2012

I was terrified of giving birth period. I ended up with a c-section after 40 hours of labor. The contractions hurt way worse than the c-section recovery for me. The mood in the operating room was upbeat yet professional. DH was the one freakinig out the most. Someone grabbed the camera from him and took some great pics. I am having another c this time because DD was measuring at almost 9 lbs at 36 weeks and DS was almost 10 lbs at birth which was part of the problem. Just keep telling yourself that however LO gets here safely is how its going to be. Tons of women have been through both experiences just fine. Good luck!

Laine2003 · May 2012

I was numb from my spinal before I was even laid down on the operating table! You have nothing to worry about, promise! Besides, they always test you out first to make sure you don't feel anything. When they tested me, I didn't even know they were doing it. The doctor just asked me if I felt that, and I said, felt what?

I had 2 c-sections and it's truly no big deal. The doctors and nurses were discussing Survivor during my surgery.

The only thing you think about during the surgery is when am I going to hear my baby cry. And as soon as you hear it, you don't even notice anything else going on with your own body.

eyenigh · May 2012

Mine couldn't have been a better experience. It was scheduled so I got a good night's sleep the night before and went in relaxed. All the prep beforehand was quick and painless, as was the spinal and, I have to admit, I was most worried about the spinal but it was seriously nothing. The IV hurt way more! The surgery is so fast, you don't really even have time to freak out and the next thing you know, you have a baby! It's really surreal. My doctor is fun and we talked through the whole thing as he was sewing me back up so it was really comfortable. You're done in 45 minutes. I'd do it that way every time if I planned to have more kids. I really loved it.

bitsybubbles7 · May 2012

oohgrrl11:
I was terrified of giving birth period. I ended up with a c-section after 40 hours of labor. The contractions hurt way worse than the c-section recovery for me. The mood in the operating room was upbeat yet professional. DH was the one freakinig out the most. Someone grabbed the camera from him and took some great pics. I am having another c this time because DD was measuring at almost 9 lbs at 36 weeks and DS was almost 10 lbs at birth which was part of the problem. Just keep telling yourself that however LO gets here safely is how its going to be. Tons of women have been through both experiences just fine. Good luck!

This, especially the bold part. As pp have said they will check before they start cutting, you will not feel a thing.

nikki2246 · May 2012

Ditto to everything that has been said. I was so scared about being awake. It is so quick and you have so many people in the room talking to you and making sure you are okay. they tell you exactly what is going on and DH is right next to you holding your hand. I laughed literally through half of the surgery because it is such a surreal experience and I knew in mins I would hear the baby. Then once you hear the baby cry nothing else matters. You will be fine!!!

rxbeth · May 2012

Every time I have ever had numbing (dental procedures and mole removal) I have always still had pain. But don't worry, I felt absolutely nothing during my emergency c-section. The spinal is awesome.

SnowPea25 · May 2012

If it makes you feel any better, I asked if they had started cutting yet and the doctor replied we are breaking your water at the moment...so obviously I didn't feel one thing!

I had 2 great c-section experiences and recoveries- hope this and other's comments ease your fears!

krryg · May 2012

I totally understand where you are coming from, I was so scared of childbirth. I ended up needing a scheduled c sec. because my baby was breeched. I cried for a week because I was so scared, then the day of, when I got to the hospital, I started hyperventillating and had a full blown panic attack even though I was so excited to meet my baby. The anesthesiologist gave me a sedative in my IV and I am so glad he did, I went from hysterically crying to laughing with him and his assistant about the real housewives. MH talked to the dr's the whole time about NJ devils hockey and before I knew it, my baby was out and laying on my chest. Then MH left with her, it felt like 10 minutes later they were wheeling me to recovery. I promise you it is nothing and will be over so fast. If I could offer advice I would talk to the anesthisiologist about giving you something as soon as you are admitted, it will help so much and it wears off right after the csection. You will be fine!

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