Possible c-section and I'm terrified!!!!

Knottie70569575 · September 2015

Any words of comfort would be much appreciated. My OB just told me that I am measuring 4 weeks ahead and it may be necessary to schedule a c-section. My daughter was 9lb 2oz and I delivered her vaginally, however I suffered 3rd degree tears. ( I was too late for an epidural) I will obviously do whatever I need to do for the saftey of my baby and myself, however the thought of a c-section and being strapped down and awake while they are performing surgery freaks me out. I have a scan in a couple of weeks to determine the size of the baby and I guess we need to be prepared to schedule it. I am just so scared, I'm just thinking if I had an epidural this time round, I could possible make it through a vaginal delivery...?.?

I'm just all over the place right now.

dec15mum · September 2015

I have no experience but I can offer words of comfort!
Just know that everything will be okay, c-section is considered one of the safest surgeries you can have and you can even have someone there with you every step of it! Maybe (and only when you're ready) read about it, other woman's experience and see that it might not be that bad!
I hope things go well with the scan!

ssn109 · September 2015

I don't have any experience either, FTM here. But I think it's normal to be nervous with something we haven't experienced before. You just have to trust that your doc knows what he/she is doing, which should be easy given how much training they have! I hear the recovery is a bit more difficult, but having a baby by c-section is pretty much just as common as vaginal deliveries any more. Plus, better to err on the side of caution for the safety of you and your LO. You can do it Mama!

Uwannalala · September 2015

Honestly... I love my c section. It was not elective, but now that I had it and it went so well, I couldn't imagine a vaginal birth! I had (and have) major irrational fears about that.

Obviously, you should avoid surgery if possible, but tons of us have had successful complication free c sections.

Knottie70569575 · September 2015

I appreciate the advise. My heads tells me to just go for the c-section, pick the date and doctor and have it be nice and hopefully calm. But, my heart tells me to try the "normal" way and hope it works out. I'm just going to try and stay positive and wait until the scan results.

springbreak33 · September 2015

Just remember that the ultrasounds can be off up to a pound or more either way. My son was also measuring 4 weeks bigger and he came out 8.6lbs at 39 weeks. I did have a section and am going to have my 4th in December. Do what you feel comfortable with:) every section has been easier on me and I've had a healthy little one to be thankful for! Good luck!

navyblueladybug · September 2015

I'm a nurse and did my final 120 hour clinical on the women's surgical unit taking care of women who had c-sections and it didn't seem so bad. Some women only took Motrin every 6 hours and that was enough to help their pain. I'm a FTM so I've never had one but after seeing the patients I had in their recovery, I honestly wouldn't be scared to have one. Good luck!

Julybird · September 2015

I was induced because of my daughter's size and then ended up having an emergency c-section. I was so scared about going through surgery awake and the pain also, I broke down right before. It honestly wasn't that bad, it was actually quick getting her out and after that I was just so happy she was here that I laid there chatting while they sewed me up. Recovery wasn't bad also, walking really helped and was home 2 days later. I'm actually scared to have a vaginal birth but am going to try if this current one isn't too big. Unfortunately my husband's family has big babies. Recovery from a planned c-section is a lot easier than an emergency one. Good luck either way! I completely understand the unknown is scary.

katy4128 · September 2015

I had a section with DS. I am planning on having a scheduled one again this time. My first one was scheduled because baby was measuring big. It was a little scary but not too bad at all! I went in the or at 8:30am, baby was born at 8:42am and I was in the recovery room and breast feeding by 9:20am. It was so fast!! Also my DH was right there with me the whole time. The worst part was just getting moved around from the or table to different beds. I couldn't move anything for a few hours and it was a bit freaky . By the next day I was up walking around. It took me a good 6 weeks though to feel back to myself. Good luck!!

kristen2b · September 2015

I had an emergency csection. The tugging and pulling feeling was weird but I imagine no better or worse than what it feels like coming out of your Virginia. I was in the hospital 2 days and loading the dishwasher and doing laundry the day I came home. It's not so bad!

GalLaura · September 2015

I had an emergency c section with bub #1 as he was almost 10lbs. It wasn't that bad at all. I was in better shape than a lot of the vaginal birth mom's! Bub#2 is starting to measure large now too. I have the option of c section or vaginal birth. I'm leaning toward c section is she keeps measuring big. I think I would prefer to not go through labor and a c section and just have the c section. I'm also having another scan. Don't be afraid of the procedure. It's not bad at all. You feel no pain and will have your little one in your arms in no time.

LMJL · September 2015

FTM- but I echo ehat PPs have said. I was afraid of a c section at first, but the worst horror stories I've heard happened vaginally. I'll refrain from sharing them. Plus, my sis is a colorectal surgeon & she says a section is the best thing for your pelvic floor, she sees SO many ladies messed up down there from V births. And bonus- your V canal stays pristine, a bit shallow, I know, but something I worry about as I have more vaginal orgasms than clitoral. (Sorry if that's TMI) Also- no one else mentioned this, so maybe I'm wrong, but the whole tied down thing freaked me out too. But I read that you can ask not to be restrained. You can also write up all your requests in a birth plan, no restraints, delayed cord clamping, kangaroo care whatever you want. All of it's possible of course, but why not ask politely! Good luck!

Knottie32378991 · September 2015

I had an emergency c-section when they lost track of my daughter's heartbeat while I was in labor, so they completely knocked me out; because of that, I can't give much advice as far as the anxiety leading up to the procedure, but I'd be happy to share what I can.
The recovery really wasn't too bad, they really make sure you're prepared as far as pain relief following the birth; I was on a morphine drip for the first few days (you won't have to have that, I'm sure!!) and then a significant dose of ibuprofen for after I left the hospital.
Honestly, it really felt more like I'd just spent several hours doing an intensive ab workout, more sore than painful. I was climbing up and down the stairs as soon as I got home!
Because they had to put me under, I didn't get to experience seeing her right after she was born, but I know she was out and I was back in my room within about 30 minutes, so it's over pretty quickly, and once you have the baby to focus on, I'm sure you won't notice them stitching you back up!

soulfish · September 2015

I've had two and am scheduled for a 3rd. Honestly, walking very soon after really helps expedite things and returns your body to normal waaayyyy faster. A compression garment helps with support. If you can stick with tylenol or motrin for pain you dont get the horrible side effect (constipation, needing help with the baby, trouble walking etc). My recovery was amazing, went home the very next day with both kiddos. The sewing back up is a little nauseating because you feel activity without pain. As long as your prepared for that you'll be fine. I would only hesitate in your position if I was planning another child shortly after.

juliesteve · September 2015

I'm also terrified of a c-section! I was with DD as well. I delivered her vaginally and had 3rd degree tearing (same as you, she was coming fast and no time for an epidural but was only 6lbs 14oz). I found recovery after to be fairly easy though, despite the tear. Sitz baths helped for sure.

My fear of a section has nothing really to do with the actual procedure since I know they're fairly quick, it's more the recovery. My friend had one for her first, and then went on to deliver 2 more kids vaginally. She said she'd never wish a section on anyone. Lifting was hard, she couldn't drive, her scar caused permanent numbness in the area, etc. I know everyone's experiences are different, but despite how painful the drug-free delivery of my DD was, I'm so hoping for it again this time around (except with hopefully time for the epidural!). In my circle of friends, I haven't heard anything positive about a section

Obviously if I need one, I need one, but it certainly isn't my choice or hope.

littleSkittle14 · September 2015

Another c section mama here too. It can be scary but look into a "gentle" Csection if they offer it. That's what I had and it was as nice as could be.

I'm trying for a vbac this time but I am more at peace this time should I need another c section

Good luck.

bekaadams49 · September 2015

My first daughter was vaginal, second was an emergency C-section. I was in labor 17 hours with my first. My second, I was in labor 8 hours before they decided to do the C-section. I was terrified when they walked in the room and told me I would have to have an emergency C-section. I cried and shook. I have never been more scared in my life. But now, I am pregnant with baby #3 and I can't decide which one I want.

The C-section itself was not nearly as bad as I had imagined. I didn't feel anything, it felt like someone was pushing on my stomach and really it was a breeze. The healing time was not much different than vaginal delivery other than I had pain meds and needed some extra help the first 3 days. I went back to light but normal routine after 3 days, it made it easier I think. I was pretty much back to myself after 1 week. I couldn't lift anything heavy but they don't recommend lifting after vaginal either, so to me it was about the same.The worst part of all was the gas they put in your stomach. It passes within a few days to a week, but it was painful, as all gas is. They do not allow any carbonated or acidic drinks for 2 weeks after, and listen to them because if you don't the gas is more painful. It was a lot quicker than a vaginal birth, of course, and you also have a lot less chance of your pain meds wearing off. And the scar is small and in your bikini line so no one will see it except you and DH.

I hope this eases your mind. I really don't recommend one over the other. It's all about preference. I have been debating my entire pregnancy which I was going to do and still have yet to make a decision. On one hand I like the idea of natural birth, but on the other I like the idea of walking in and getting it over with so I can meet my sweet little boy.

Good Luck and stay calm, regardless of how you do it, in the end it will all be worth it once you hold that little bundle of joy.

coree730 · September 2015

I kept on measuring big and DD came out 7 lbs 4 oz and was a vaginal birth. I really believe the reason I was measuring big is because I have a short torso and baby had no where do go but outwards! Anyway, they are saying that I am measuring big again, so next time they say this, I am going to ask them if they are keeping in mind that my torso is short.

Jazmine928 · September 2015

Look into "gentle cesareans." They don't involve strapping moms hands down, curtain can be lowered, doc can narrate everything, doc can say "are you ready" just before he/she pulls baby out, and baby goes skin to skin. A lot has been done to make them more positive experiences for women. However, can they induce you instead of cesarean? I am a FTM Preggo with twins and am also a bit scared of the increases likelihood of cesarean but am trying to be more open to it

Knottie70569575 · September 2015

I appreciate all the advise from everyone, it's helped me at least put things into perspective and calm down a little. I may ask them if an induction is possible so I can guarantee the epidural. That really does sound way more appealing.

discohiker · September 2015

I don't understand why your OB would be talking about scheduling a c-section now... it seems really early to be doing that. Baby size is a guessing game at best. If you delivered vaginally before, you are still a candidate for an induced labor after 36 weeks if your doctor is insisting that the child is large and needs to come out.
Every person is different, but my experiences with having 2 c-sections is that I wouldn't wish the surgery on anyone. My first was an "emergency" one after my son refused to descend and I had labored for a day and a half and I was a hot mess for about 3 weeks and didn't feel anywhere near normal until about 8 weeks. My second c-section was scheduled because of IUGR....the incision was small because my child was very small and it still took about 6 weeks before I did normal activities. It is a major surgery with many layers of tissue involved. I don't know what it feels like to have a tear vaginally, but I do know that the risk is great no matter how you deliver a child... I just don't know that I would trust a doctor who is jumping the gun on this so soon, knowing that they make more money off of a c-section than they do a vaginal birth. Good luck and try not to worry..... its going to hurt but be worth it no matter how you deliver.

Birthinrox · September 2015

Ask your doctor if ACOG, his professional organization, recommends planned c-sections for "big babies". Because they don't. They only recommend them if the baby is projected to be over 5000g! Which is way bigger than your previous baby, who you birthed vaginally! They also don't recommend elective c-section for a history of 3rd degree tears.I also had a 9+ lb baby and a 3rd degree so I know what you went through. Honestly recovery from a c-section is worse. There is also no way to predict how big your baby will be in December right now! Sounds to me like your doctor just wants to make sure he has plenty of time to do his Christmas shopping!

sassysister18 · September 2015

Knottie70569575 said:
I appreciate all the advise from everyone, it's helped me at least put things into perspective and calm down a little. I may ask them if an induction is possible so I can guarantee the epidural. That really does sound way more appealing.

If your so terrified of a Caesar I would perhaps stay away from an epidural, they increase your risk of caeser. I had a caeser with my son after 24 hours of labour and I had an epidural. Still to this day I think if I didn't have the epidural I could've kept walking around with gravity naturally helping him move down. The caeser itself wasn't too bad, I agree with what a PP said about walking around swap, definatley helps with recovery!

Hoppyhead · September 2015

I had an emergencyc-section after I was induced for pre-eclampsia at 39.5 weeks. I'm scheduling a c-section this time and am happy to be able to prepare for it instead of having it sprung on me after 24 hours of ineffective labor. This time, I'll be mentally prepared and I'll have a Belly Bandit on hand to help with abdominal support, which should help me walk more easily than I could after my first.

Having just had a friend labor for three days, be on pitocin for another day, and end up with an emergency c-section after all of that, scheduling one sounds like a dream.

KRH6829 · September 2015

I think that it is way to early to be discussing options because of the size of the baby and am surprised that your doctor would be doing so. My son was 9 lbs 9 ozs and we did not talk about me being induced until I had a scan at 38 weeks showing that he was still big. They also shouldn't induce before 39 weeks and there was not even a discussion about a c section due to size. My little girl is now looking big, but again, the doctor is just waiting and I will have another scan at 36 weeks to see her size then. If I have another large baby, she said we would talk about inducing at 40 weeks again if I am still pregnant. I would almost suggest you get a second opinion...I think it is a little much that your doctor is even talking about a possible c section this early in your pregnancy.

blackpugmom · September 2015

I am a labor nurse and have had both a vaginal delivery and C-section. My first birth was very fast, I got an epidural at complete and had a third degree tear and shoulder dystocia which is when the baby's shoulders are stuck in the mother's pelvis. The pain and recovery from that birth was truly horrific and with my second pregnancy I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes which statistically leads to larger babies. I elected after consulting actual medical professionals and not lay people

to have a section. I was not a labor nurse then and my doctor said he would support me either way. My labor started two weeks before my scheduled section and I had a beautiful surgical birth and a very healthy 6 pound 3 ounce baby. She was a full pound and a half smaller than her older sister. The recovery was no where near as painful as my third degree tear. You already have a history of having a very large baby. Yes nine pounds is large for gestational age and your subsequent pregnancies will likely yield even larger babies than your first...yes there are always exceptions to every rule. The risks for injury to your infant during birth due to large size may be what you look into in making your decision. This is what your docotor is considering based on actual research and clinical experience. Ultrasounds are not an accurate tool for estimating fetal weight but are a guide as well as your history and actual hands on your belly assessments of your baby's size. Sections are major surgery but I think your impression of being tied down and helpless is not an accurate depiction of what really happens and your doctors and labor nurses will be glad to discuss the process and safety concerns with you. December is a long way off and you and your docotor need to be on the same page. Remember the goal is a safe birth and healthy baby not an experience. Your experience is important but should not trump safety...trust me. Also keep in mind that induction is not recommended before 39 weeks unless medically indicated and suspected macrosomia (large baby) is not a medical indication for induction of labor before 39 weeks. You may just need to ask yourself do I want a vaginal birth no matter the risk to my baby? Risk...not guaranteed injury not guaranteed saftey. Section puts the risks on you and removes many from your baby.

Best wishes Mommy,
Sarah

jakesgirl83 · September 2015

This is baby number 4 for me and csection number 4. All have been fine so far. I get nervous every time, but seriously mine have never been terrible. The doctors and nurses talk & joke with me during the whole surgery which totally puts me at ease. They play whatever music i wanna listen to, and hubby is right by my head the whole time!! The worst part is the liquid diet after & the first time you have to use the bathroom kinda sucks, but i think that sucks for vaginal births as well i would imagine. Each recovery was different for me, but honestly after 3 weeks i have always felt almost totally myself!

kristen2b · September 2015

blackpugmom said:
I am a labor nurse and have had both a vaginal delivery and C-section. My first birth was very fast, I got an epidural at complete and had a third degree tear and shoulder dystocia which is when the baby's shoulders are stuck in the mother's pelvis. The pain and recovery from that birth was truly horrific and with my second pregnancy I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes which statistically leads to larger babies. I elected after consulting actual medical professionals and not lay people to have a section. I was not a labor nurse then and my doctor said he would support me either way. My labor started two weeks before my scheduled section and I had a beautiful surgical birth and a very healthy 6 pound 3 ounce baby. She was a full pound and a half smaller than her older sister. The recovery was no where near as painful as my third degree tear. You already have a history of having a very large baby. Yes nine pounds is large for gestational age and your subsequent pregnancies will likely yield even larger babies than your first...yes there are always exceptions to every rule. The risks for injury to your infant during birth due to large size may be what you look into in making your decision. This is what your docotor is considering based on actual research and clinical experience. Ultrasounds are not an accurate tool for estimating fetal weight but are a guide as well as your history and actual hands on your belly assessments of your baby's size. Sections are major surgery but I think your impression of being tied down and helpless is not an accurate depiction of what really happens and your doctors and labor nurses will be glad to discuss the process and safety concerns with you. December is a long way off and you and your docotor need to be on the same page. Remember the goal is a safe birth and healthy baby not an experience. Your experience is important but should not trump safety...trust me. Also keep in mind that induction is not recommended before 39 weeks unless medically indicated and suspected macrosomia (large baby) is not a medical indication for induction of labor before 39 weeks. You may just need to ask yourself do I want a vaginal birth no matter the risk to my baby? Risk...not guaranteed injury not guaranteed saftey. Section puts the risks on you and removes many from your baby.

Best wishes Mommy,
Sarah

Slow clapping.. Great answer.

trinna321 · September 2015

My mother told me all my life that we have small pelvis and I would need a c-section. The idea of giving birth seemed terrifing!! Seeing bruised heads from suctions or clamps pulling the baby out, holy crap! A friend had a home birth go bad after he got stuck and was not getting oxygen. Her child is severely handicapped today. Watched lots of birth stories on cable, and I didn't want to prepare mentally for a birth, and then feel like a failure if there was a need to c section.
Choose elective c section. Everything was calm and uneventful with my DD. Recovery was a little uncomfortable, but sure beat being 40 weeks pregnant any day!! I'll do it again, as I see it as a safer choice for me. Lower anxiety levels here, reducing some variables!

navyblueladybug · September 2015

I'm a nurse and did my last clinical at school on a women's surgical unit taking care of women who had c sections. Most women were able to manage their pain with just Motrin. Some took Percocet. There is a magical device I saw a few times called and Ambit pump. Ask your OB about it. It's a little tube that they keep in your abdomen, under the incision and is attached to a small portable machine. It secretes numbing medicine and you have a button you can push to get more if needed. Those women were 100% pain free during their stay. I'm not sure how common they are but it doesn't hurt to ask. Some women have no issues with sections and some have it a little more rough... Same goes with vaginal births though. It's different for everyone.

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