Emergency C-section vs. scheduled C-section?

Re: Emergency C-section vs. scheduled C-section?

• lewispm member

  November 2014

  I had a similar experience with my first as you (not quite a traumatic, but 16 hours of labor, 3 hours of pushing, then C-section), plus complications during surgery that resulted in making a VBAC too risky for me. I am scheduling a C-section this time and I am hoping it is easier!

  A good friend of mine had an emergency scenario for her first and a routine second and swears the second was 100x easier recovery-wise. Even with a 2 1/2 year old. So I'm hoping that will be our case as well! Recovery with my first sucked balls! I can't imagine doing it again with a toddler...

  

  

                                                                

   

  Report2 Reply
• Loading the player...
• BitsyBelle84 member

  November 2014

  I don't have any experience with an emergent c-section, only a medically necessary, but non-emergent planned c-section.  I did not go into labor prior to my section.  It was very calm in the OR, my DH was positioned up near my head with a sheet up blocking the view of the surgical area.  Whole thing took about 45mins-1hour from the time they put in my spinal block to when I was being brought back to the recovery room.  I would think the healing and recovery would be much better with the scheduled as they can take their time with their cuts and be sure you are medicated and comfortable prior to the procedure. 

  The one thing I found that made a huge difference for me during recovery was when my nurse offered me an abdominal binder to wear afterwards.  It braced my abs so they were not nearly as sore and made getting up and down much easier.  I brought it home and wore it for the first few weeks under or over my clothes, day and night. 

  I hope your scheduled c-section goes much better than your first, with an easier and quicker recovery period.

  
  

  

  For suzyq0525

  
  

  

  Report5 Reply
• myjessesgirl member

  November 2014

  I haven't had any procedures, but after watching C-sections a few times as a RN and NP, they should not be significantly different in the procedure whether emergent or scheduled. As someone mentioned, though, scheduled C-sections allow for more time to prepare, less stress, and generally are a better experience. Second time surgeries also tend to be less stressful overall because you will know what to expect in terms of pain and recovery time. Good luck with your birth! Hope this time around is better than the last one!

  Report2 Reply
• lewispm member

  November 2014

  I think the main difference is the fact that you don't experience labor and THEN a major surgery. Hours of labor and pushing will make you feel like you've been hit by a bus. Add a surgery on top of that and I'm sure it makes recovery harder. Plus, labor is exhausting. Going into a C-section somewhat rested and prepared has to make a difference in recovery. My son may not have come out my vagina (couldn't fit his giant head through my pelvic bone despite seeing him crowning!), but I'm sure that if he did, it would only have added a minute bit of discomfort to whatever pain I was already in for post labor (unless I suffered a bad tear of course). Its the combo of labor AND C-section that makes the difference, IMO, not the actual details of the surgery itself.

  

  

                                                                

   

  Report1 Reply
• capulet member

  November 2014

  I had an urgent if not emergent c/s with DD after a few hours of bad labor with little progress (I had a spinal and DH was there but we didn't know when I left L&D if I would need general anesthesia) and a scheduled RCS with DS that ended up being a few days early because my water broke.  Long term my recoveries were about equivalent and relatively easy, but the second surgery was much less stressful, I was able to anticipate and avoid issues I had with my first (I was VERY cold after my first c/s so the nurses put warming blankets on me starting in the OR with my second and it was much better), I nursed DS sooner, and I didn't stay in the hospital as long.
  

  DD born 10/10/07 * DS born 11/25/11 * #3 due 3/9/2015
  

  Report1 Reply
• gardinet member

  November 2014

  Thanks for the feedback ladies.  Makes sense about the labor plus c-section recovery being harder.  Fingers crossed that this one goes better for all of us with a difficult past!! 

  Report0 Reply
• mrs.cam member

  November 2014

  I'm jealous they sewed your abs back together.... ;P

  
  

  I had a scheduled c section for my breech twins and my recovery was easy as pie.  Out of the hospital in 48 hours, walking around the neighborhood in 5 days.  I'm hoping it goes as easy this time. 

  
  

  Report1 Reply