Anyone else petrified of having a C section?

mamabear89071516 · December 2015

I have some serious anxiety going on about a possible c section. I don't even have any early signs I may need one, he's head down and measuring in the 56th percentile, and I'm 5'10 and a large framed woman. I actually cried about it in the docs office yesterday ...thanks hormones!
It's a stupid thing I know because I want him to come what ever way is safest for him, but I really don't want to have a surgery.
I suppose it's because my whole family besides me have had many surgeries, and it's always very scary for me when they have one.
Just hoping someone else was in my shoes to make me feel less crazy

nlwz123 · December 2015

Of course. Any surgery is scary, but I just keep reminding myself that these are trained medical professionals and you won't be feeling anything. The ultimate reward at the end will be meeting our new baby.

Moore2love2014 · December 2015

Me!! I am so scared of that happening. But at the same time, whatever is best for me and my son I'll deal.

ChrissyD1203 · December 2015

I'm scared of it too, but although it is a major surgery, it is an extremely routine surgery. And- assuming it is not like a super emergency, you are awake during it, which at least for me, gives me some comfort. And comes with the added benefit that if you know in advance you need one, you don't have to go through labor. My fear is I'm in 12 hours of terrible labor and then have to get one ...

ariasbabyblog · December 2015

I was terrified of having a c-section with my first, but after 20 hours of labor and him becoming stuck in the birth canal, the only thoughts I had about it were "stop talking to me about paperwork and do the surgery already!" This time around it is a planned c-section (no vbacs at my hospital) so things will be calmer and I will be more aware, but having done it once it's honestly no big deal. You go in, they numb you up, they pull the baby out, put you back together, done.

mamabear89071516 · December 2015

How was your recovery?

GinnyBarrette · December 2015

I had a c-section with my son and it wasn't as bad as I thought. I have a bicornuate uterus and he was breech. They think he ran out of room to grow and decided to arrive at 36 weeks. Thankfully he was healthy.

The recovery was honestly not that bad. I kept a pillow handy because sneezing, coughing, laughing, etc. was a little painful. I was sore for the first few days but was up moving around as much as possible in the hospital. I got a script for Tylenol 3 and alternated back and forth with Motrin. I successfully breastfed as well. I elected to have another c-section for this baby due in 2 weeks. I'm scared to have a vaginal birth

I had a really positive experience with my surgery. If anyone has specific questions i would be happy to share. Good luck ladies! You can do it if necessary.

SummerOH · December 2015

I'm terrified of any surgery. I have no risk factors, either, and like you it still scares me. Especially the recovery while the incision is healing. Fingers crossed neither of us need one!

claireloSC · December 2015

Everyone in my family has had c-sections going back to 1945. I REALLY don't want one either, so I'm doing everything I can to avoid it - hired a doula, doing research, going to try to skip epidural.

Monilee1017 · December 2015

I was scared for my first two and I am scared for this one. Recovery wasn't that bad. You are given drugs after. What I hated was not being able to just get up to walk, you look like an old person with a walker when you first start walking with the baby around the hospital, but make sure you do it. I don't like taking drugs, so I never took any when home. Also the pain from peeing, farting, coughing, sitting up, laughing etc. isn't that bad. Yes it sucks but it's really not that bad.

Achae · December 2015

One of my biggest fears! Any type of surgery makes me hyperventilate, especially since I'd be awake on the table. No no no no no!

cyanope · December 2015

Part of me wants a c-section (but only a VERY small part) for two reasons: one, I would get eight weeks off of work instead of six...and two, my biggest fear regarding labor is tearing.
Plus, I've had two MAJOR surgeries in my life (like in-the-ICU-for-three-days-and-in-the-hospital-for-seven-days kind of surgeries), so a little c-section doesn't scare me too much. My attitude is, "whatever happens, happens...and I will adjust accordingly."

Cejiml · December 2015

I think it's completely natural to be scared of a major surgery of any kind. I've had one and wil with this baby. Recovery is rough for about a week and a half. You are in the hospital for a few extra days then after send you home with meds. The nurses are awesome and help a ton. I was up and moving pretty quickly, slowly like PP said with a walker but you get going. To me it was all about what was the best route for my DD. ANd the same for this one. I'm scheduled for 12/28.

mamabear89071516 · December 2015

It's nice to know I'm not alone. I personally would rather 48 hours of labor and a stretched out torn va jay jay than major abdominal surgery lol

peppercorn16 · December 2015

I am a FTM and will be having to have one and I am definitely nervous but trying to not dwell on it. I think doing as much research as possible about the process and reading the experiences of others really helps-- everyone I know personally has said "it wasn't as bad as I expected" and very few people say that it was just absolute torture. I keep visualizing the part where they bring me my sweet baby and it makes the rest not seem so scary!

Eastoncjr · December 2015

I had one with my son and the recovery was not bad at all. My incision was sore for awhile but not that bad. Now 2.5 years later the scar is hardly noticeable. I'm having a scheduled one With this baby. The important thing to remember is the goal is a healthy baby and a healthy mom.

Grace213 · December 2015

Im more terrified of a vaginal birth and tearing again. To me, recovering from my 2nd degree tear was almost as bad as labor. It hurt to sit or lie down reclined for about 2 weeks. And then pooping after all that was scary. Not the most comfortable thing ever.

My fear is that Im going to tear again (seeing as how Ive already been pregnant 2 days longer than with my DD this round and I feel like baby is massive!!!l My crotch is crying already. Haha

ambercakes92 · December 2015

I'm more afraid of a vaginal birth. Tearing sounds so scary

Hipshaker · December 2015

I would do just about anything to avoid a c-section. Recovering from major abdominal surgery while caring for a newborn is bananas! How in the world are you supposed to heal without any meaningful rest, support the growth of child through nursing, and change 12+ diapers a day! It makes recovery sigificantly longer than 6wks, let me tell you. It's was closer to 12 wks. And I know because I have also had my appendix & gallbladder removed on separate occasions. They were 6-8 wk recoveries. I can't believe I made it through that time in my life. I healed well, no numbness around my scar, but it was very sensitive for a year+. I responded very poorly to my spinal block and was very sick from the medication. I missed the first two hours of my dd's life. It makes me sad to think about. There's no predicting really what cards you'll get delt in the birth game though. I'm a vbac, this go round. I would be greatful for a few stitches.

EvaD84 · December 2015

Knottie i come from a family that seems to be very healthy and not admitted to hospital for surgeries etc so I think that has always influenced the women on dads side of the family having natural births as they are all tall big torso type women and have no complications delivering naturally...

I think thats why i want to try a drug free natural birth purely because i feel like if nothing is wrong, why cut my body and go thru serious surgery when its not medically necessary.. I don't want an episiotomy and thank god dr says baby will be about 3.1kg at birth so i should be fine delivering normally..

Obviously if me or baby suddenly go into distress and dr says he needs to do csec or episiotomy etc, then obviously there is no choice..

I know alot of young workmates straight away go for csections because they couldn't be bothere pushing an had epidurals as they didn't want to feel any pain and thats their choice but for me i hear too many horror stories how things just stagnate when u get an induction/epidural u end up with csections so if i am fine to do natural thats what i want..

carlyhammond · December 2015

-sigh-
When I first got pregnant I told my mom I wanted an elective c-section..,
She all but cussed me out.

I stopped thinking about it, but the thought of a vaginal delivery scares the pee outta me (maybe that's the baby)....
Tearing, the fact that a watermelon is coming out of a bagel..... They aren't even the same size - scares me...
The hours of contractions, laboring, pushing out a baby... Scares me...
Now- tmi, I've had a poop that was severely impacted once (I don't know how that happend) but seriously that SOB hurt - sweating and all to get that thing out..... I imagine giving birth to be like that..... Really freaking uncomfortable..

My doctor hinted of a chance I may he to have a c-section if baby doesn't descend like he's supposed to...
I'm ok with that.

Either way this baby comes out is fine with me... I'll be scared and nervous either way.... So... As long as my beautiful boy is healthy however I get to see his face, doesn't really matter.

Unknown · December 2015

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djdawn29a · December 2015

I'm having a scheduled c section for the first time. I don't know at all what to expect. Can hubby still be in the room? Can I still c the baby right away? I just hate the thought of the recovery time. I don't want it to interfere with taking care of him when we r released. Normal labor was a breeze for me, so this is whole new experience.

kmo8986 · December 2015

Obviously like everyone my number one goal is the health and safety of the baby, however I am way more nervous of having to have a c-section this time because I have a 21 month old at home. I had very bad tearing with him, so I am anticipating that again but having a c-section would limit my ability to interact with him as well and it would break my heart.

EvaD84 · December 2015

My sis in law had a csec because of pre eclampsia and couldn't do anythin for a month and thats after staying a week at hospital.

My bro said she was so exhausted that even taking care of baby was hard work and exhausting enough...

I know alot of people do csections because they are afraid of vaginal tears episiotomies etc but for me reality it alot of women have minor tears that don' need stitching... I'd rather that then major abdominal surgery and being even more exhausted and not able to do anythin or have any energy to take care of the family...

I understand the mums that have no choice but to have csections coz of medical issues..

My 2nd cousin had to have one because baby was in distress an looking the wrong direction in birth canal but she seems ok after it and not completely exhausted so i guess it depends on the individual...

MrsReese28 · December 2015

I was terrified of having one and my doc didnt think I would so we really didnt talk about it. Then we get to hour 23 past my watwr breaking, baby hr not recovering after each contraction the fear went away. Despite really having no idea what to expect, i recovered fairly well. If it hurts, take the pain pills. The hardest thing was to accept that it doesnt have to be perfect. A good housekeeper is worth every penny!

deedeecmc79 · December 2015

I had one with my daughter after 21 hrs of labor due to fetal distress. I am trying to avoid it this time because it is nerve racking and I hated being awake while feeling everything ( not pain ) but pulling and tugging. So I am pretty much nervous about needing it again

Good news is if you did need it you will be concerned with getting the baby out safely then the fear of the surgery. You mom instinct kicks in and takes over. Relax and you will do great.

nickicb7 · December 2015

As of last week (35 weeks) baby was still bum down and high. So my midwives have me going for an ultrasound today to confirm, if she is still breech we will be discussing the plans for a c-section in the event that she does not turn, which I know she still has time for, but there is also that chance she won't.

At first I was devistated. As much as many people will tell you that a vaginal delivery sucks, I was really wanting to have my birthing experience. I have been preparing for 8 months to do this the most intervention free way I could manage, and although I know you can never be truly prepared for all that can happen, I feel like I will feel like I lost something if I don't get my experience. Also I really fear the recovery and not getting the best start on breast feeding.

But as some time has passed, I am trying to come to terms and be okay with whatever happens. The truth is, whatever way it goes down, that's your story and that's how your beautiful baby will make their entrance into the world. I have read a lot about successful breastfeeding after c-sections, and know lots of women who have been completely satisfied with their experience.

When it comes down to it, I know I will always be a little disappointed to not experience a vaginal birth, but I'd much rather have a planned section than be in the middle of a long labour and have to opt for an emergency. But from what I've read and seen on these boards, even those emergency c-sections are so routine that they still come out so successful, the downfall then is just not having had the time to prepare for it and the pain of all that labour before hand.

mamabear89071516 · December 2015

All of you ladies are amazing, and I'm so glad I'm not alone in my feelings! I love what PP said about mom instincts kicking in and doing whatever is best for baby, that really makes me feel better

Knottie1452445632 · December 2015

I need advice. I've had 3 previous natural labours which went fine but progressively got worse the more children I've had. The last two were stuck back to back and our last baby was stuck sideways facing in the birth canal (head down but facing my leg) I can tell you it was unbelievably painful - so much so I was begging them to kill me (apparently). And our second was back to back and stuck too for two hours (also agony). Anyway, first of all since all my labours have been worse than the previous I am considering a c-section. There are other reasons too -

1. My hubby is potentially out of the country on business when the baby is due so it would be good to be able to plan baby's birthday around when he's here.

2. I have GBS so need intravenous antibiotics and with previous quick labours, I doubt they'll have time to administer if and for it to take affect before baby is born.

3. This is our fourth and last baby and I want to be sterilised so it would be good to get this done at the same time as c-section.

On the downside - it's major surgery and I will have a long recovery time. I am also concerned that if I did have a c-section that I won't be able to care for all four children. My Inlaws aren't too near by and my husband is self employed so can't afford to take that much time of work.

What a dilemma - what shall I do?

RunnerMeg · December 2015

I think you have some very valid pros and cons. It sounds like, medically, you have a good reason to desire a c/s. Have you spoken to your OB about it?

My only concern for you is recovering from a c/s without help from your husband/family. I had a c/s with DS1 and I think it would have been tough without help in the beginning. Could you possibly have a temporary Nanny/Mom helper or post-partum doula available to help?

babybluu · December 2015

I'm terrified too but what helps me feel better is many many women have csections all the time and eventually they hear their babies cry, and then shortly after the surgery is over. Idk of that helps but it helps me.

BellaAngel127 · December 2015

I'm almost 36 weeks and I have a c-section scheduled for January 20th. I had a c-section with my first born 16 years ago. You should not be nervous.

arac2007 · December 2015

My LO was born via c section on 7 December at 35 weeks due to pre eclampsia. I was very sore for a few days afterwards but have very little pain now 2.5 weeks later. You really don't feel any pain during the surgery and recovery isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

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Anyone else petrified of having a C section?

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