Just reviving this thread in case anyone finds it useful. My c-section has been scheduled for July 2–I’ll be in my 39th week then. Here’s hoping I can cook the baby that long!
I keep seeing that the new thing is for clear drapes to be used during the procedure. Anyone have experience with that? Last time I had the standard blue sheet blocking my view, but it was an unplanned csection with some complications. Since this time is planned, I’m going to ask at my next appointment if it’s even an option. But I honestly don’t know if that’s something I’d want or not. Thoughts or experiences?
Nice to have the morning times--mine is at 2 pm, and I have to be there at noon on 7/2. They also let me know that if there's an emergency going on, my c-section might be a bit delayed. Here's hoping everything goes smoothly!
For those of you working full time and having scheduled csections, are you planning to work up until the day before? If you’re taking time off before, how much time?
i don’t get any specific maternity leave, just FMLA during which I will be using sick/vacation time to stay in paid status. I’m thinking of just taking the day before, or even working through if we end up scheduling on a Monday. Thoughts?
@tarheelgirl8 I work Tuesday through Friday and my c section is on a Tuesday so I am working through Friday prior. So I'm working right up to it if all goes according to plan.
@tarheelgirl8 I’m taking a week off. Mine is scheduled for first thing Friday (July 6) morning. I figured with the holiday I might as well just enjoy it and take my time to finalize stuff if needed. I’ll be working through the end of June then I’m off.
@tarheelgirl8 my company gives you 3 weeks off before your due date (c section delivery date for me) in addition to maternity leave so my last day is a week from this coming Thursday
@tarheelgirl8 I’m having my c-section done on a Monday afternoon (July 2nd) and I work full time and am planning to work through the Friday beforehand unless some kind of complication comes up. I want as much time with my baby after delivery as possible.
As long as everything says according to plan I am planning on working until July 5th, the day before. Our pay gets cut DRASTICALLY when on "disability/ leave" so I am working until I cant anymore.
Late to the party, but here is my csection situation.
1. Are you definitely having a c-section, considering one, or more likely than average to need one? If already scheduled, when are you having it?
I am definitely having a C section even though I went to two OB’s and a specialist to get cleared for a vaginal delivery.
2. Why are you having or possibly having a c-section?
My story is kind of uniques because Ibhad a Myomectomy (removal of Fibroids) in 2009 and had an unplanned vafinal delivery with my daughter in 2013. I went into labor and progressed so quickly that they had no choice but to let me have her natural. Given that Ibhvae already had a natural delivery no one will clear me to have another natural deliver. I was bummed out about this news because I just assumed I would have another natural delivery. There is still a fear that my Uterus can rupture even though the t have proven to withstand a natural delivery.
3. Have you had a c-section before? If so, when and what were the circumstances? Any details you are willing to share about your past experience/birth story would be great. If you've had both a c-section and a vaginal birth feel free to compare your experience with the two. If you had a vaginal birth and were later told your next should be delivered by c-section, what was the reason?
Nope
4. How do you feel about having or potentially having a c-section?
I am am not happy about it considering my multiple attempts to find a doctor that would let me go natural. After the third NO I gave up because it was just too emotionally draining.
5. Questions, other concerns, tips? Please feel free to add whatever you like!
My main concern is being awake during the surgery. I have heard horror stories about this. I would much rather go natural with no meds, than go through a csection awake. We shall see how it all pans out though.
I have read your responses and it has helped put it all into perspective for me.
1. Are you definitely having a c-section, considering one, or more likely than average to need one? If already scheduled, when are you having it? I will for sure be having a c-section. I have it scheduled for June 19th currently, but they are considering moving it to June 12th.
2. Why are you having or possibly having a c-section? I have already had 3 c-sections and I'm also having twins. So there's a couple reasons why.
3. Have you had a c-section before? If so, when and what were the circumstances? Any details you are willing to share about your past experience/birth story would be great. If you've had both a c-section and a vaginal birth feel free to compare your experience with the two. If you had a vaginal birth and were later told your next should be delivered by c-section, what was the reason? I have had 3 -- my first was due to an unusually short umbilical cord so baby was unable to progress down to the birth canal. Others were just repeat.
4. How do you feel about having or potentially having a c-section? It's the only type of birth I know! So, of course I am nervous, but I'm fine with it. In my mind it's just the way babies exit my body. lol
5. Questions, other concerns, tips? Please feel free to add whatever you like! Take those stool softeners, expect to have gas pain in your shoulders and shake afterwards. Supporting your stomach with a pillow while walking helps.
Late to the party, but here is my csection situation.
1. Are you definitely having a c-section, considering one, or more likely than average to need one? If already scheduled, when are you having it?
I am definitely having a C section even though I went to two OB’s and a specialist to get cleared for a vaginal delivery.
2. Why are you having or possibly having a c-section?
My story is kind of uniques because Ibhad a Myomectomy (removal of Fibroids) in 2009 and had an unplanned vafinal delivery with my daughter in 2013. I went into labor and progressed so quickly that they had no choice but to let me have her natural. Given that Ibhvae already had a natural delivery no one will clear me to have another natural deliver. I was bummed out about this news because I just assumed I would have another natural delivery. There is still a fear that my Uterus can rupture even though the t have proven to withstand a natural delivery.
3. Have you had a c-section before? If so, when and what were the circumstances? Any details you are willing to share about your past experience/birth story would be great. If you've had both a c-section and a vaginal birth feel free to compare your experience with the two. If you had a vaginal birth and were later told your next should be delivered by c-section, what was the reason?
Nope
4. How do you feel about having or potentially having a c-section?
I am am not happy about it considering my multiple attempts to find a doctor that would let me go natural. After the third NO I gave up because it was just too emotionally draining.
5. Questions, other concerns, tips? Please feel free to add whatever you like!
My main concern is being awake during the surgery. I have heard horror stories about this. I would much rather go natural with no meds, than go through a csection awake. We shall see how it all pans out though.
I have read your responses and it has helped put it all into perspective for me.
If it makes you feel any better the nurses/dr/everyone helps keep you distracted from overthinking the surgery. I try and not even think about what is happening and focus on the small talk and lots of times they even have music playing that can help keep your mind off of it. I have had 3 completely uneventful c-sections and know plenty of people that have as well. Try and stay positive and take it a moment at a time!
@ssthomps, not trying to dismiss your anxiety, but I feel like csection horror stories are just like anything else. People love to share the one rare thing that happened to their cousin’s hairdresser or some other friend of a friend, when in reality 99% go as planned. I think it’s perfectly normal to have some anxiety about any surgery. I’ve been through a csection before and I have some too. But I just wanted to put it in perspective too.
I definitely still have anxiety about the c section despite it being a repeat and have gone through other abdominal surgeries. It’s perfectly normal. Check if your hospital will allow you some one on one meeting with a L&D nurse to help answer any questions and hopefully calm your anxiety a bit. Like @tarheelgirl8 says the anxiety can come with any choice of delivery because the unknown is scary. Personal stories can only be taken to an extent because you will have your own experience that can be completely different.
1. Are you definitely having a c-section, considering one, or more likely than average to need one? If already scheduled, when are you having it? yes, 39+0, 7/19/18
2. Why are you having or possibly having a c-section? 3rd c section, 2nd scheduled
3. Have you had a c-section before? If so, when and what were the circumstances? Any details you are willing to share about your past experience/birth story would be great. If you've had both a c-section and a vaginal birth feel free to compare your experience with the two. If you had a vaginal birth and were later told your next should be delivered by c-section, what was the reason? 1st c section was what they call a failed induction due to unfavorable position. I labored for 12 hours, stuck at 4 cm for 11 hrs. 2nd c section was scheduled at 39+0 because hospital had a no VBAC policy. Recovering from major surgery after laboring all day was way worse than having a scheduled c section first thing on the morning. I drove at 2 weeks postpartum after both times. I stayed alone with my 19 month old and newborn at 12 days postpartum
4. How do you feel about having or potentially having a c-section? I came to terms with it a long time ago. From the time they decided to do a c section to the time my first was out it was about 15 minutes, and I struggled emotionally the first time. I didn’t realize it was major surgery and my husband didn’t realize how much help I needed or how much pain I was in.
5. Questions, other concerns, tips? Please feel free to add whatever you like! Pain meds are no joke, and nurses won’t bring them to you without requesting them. If you know they wear off at 1, don’t wait until 1:30 to ask for them. I stupidly let them wear off completely on my second night. Also, make sure your doctor knows if you’re planning on breastfeeding so they can prescribe something baby friendly.
I went home after 2 nights with my 2nd, but expressed to everyone my need for help with dd, so my husband and mom were awesome. DD stayed with MIL both nights so dh could stay with me. This time my aunt is flying in the day before scheduled c/s, so dh is staying with me the whole time. I’m requesting to go home after 2 nights again. My aunt is staying until 5 days postpartum, so I want to spend some time with her.
@AlwaysMrsS that’s terrible the nurses didn’t keep up with your meds! Mine did a pretty good job at keeping up with them. I think i occasionally did have to inquire but only when I felt them wearing off before they were due.
Carry a pillow because it’ll hurt to laugh, poop, cough, sneeze. The pillow helps
Stool softener will help, but nothing prepares you for that first postpartum bm
Walking helps speed up recovery. Rest is important, but don’t spend all day in bed. I found it hard getting in and out of bed, so I spent my days on the couch, even if I napped. Don’t overdo it, but walk around your hospital room then your house.
Wear the abdominal binder. It helps with gas pain and support the first few weeks.
Listen to your body, but remember it takes 6-8 weeks for your incision to fully close. Just because you feel mostly back to normal after 2-3 weeks doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still take it easy
Don’t be surprised if the area around your incision/scar is numb months later
@wildtot I thought it was normal. I know different states have different regulations for pain killers, so that might be why. They warned me as soon as I got to my room that I would only get pain meds if requested
@AlwaysMrsS@wildtot after my CS I was given Tylenol & Advil on a regular schedule and every time they brought it they offered narcotics. I didn’t take an6 until after discharge when I was moving around a lot more but staying on top of pain is super important, it’s so hard to chase pain to get it back under control.
1. Are you definitely having a c-section, considering one, or more likely than average to need one? If already scheduled, when are you having it? Found out Monday they were thinking CS, and they just called to schedule - 39W - 7/24 @ 10 AM (there was an 8 am, but I wanted to be able to drop DD off at daycare and not mess with normal routines more than necessary)
2. Why are you having or possibly having a c-section? Bulging discs and connective tissue disorder that leaves me high risk for dislocations, rupturing the discs further, pelvic ligament damage, prolapse... also if baby has same genetic disorder safer for him
3. Have you had a c-section before? If so, when and what were the circumstances? Any details you are willing to share about your past experience/birth story would be great. If you've had both a c-section and a vaginal birth feel free to compare your experience with the two. If you had a vaginal birth and were later told your next should be delivered by c-section, what was the reason? This is my first CS - DD was born vaginally after 3 hour precipitous labor. I wasn't diagnosed yet at time of DD's birth and although I'd been complaining about my back hurting before DD full extent of disc damage wasn't known until after DD - and no one thought to ask my orthopod's opinion until 33 weeks pregnant this time >_<
4. How do you feel about having or potentially having a c-section? The only thing that gives me anxiety is the spinal block - mostly because it's my L4-L5 discs that are FUBAR and they need to do it below L2. Plan on asking a lot of questions and talking with anesthesiology ahead of time - my condition also comes with special reactions to anesthesia
5. Questions, other concerns, tips? Please feel free to add whatever you like! So many great tips here already, thank you. I have an OB appointment friday to discuss - but in general have they given you anything for anxiety before/during? - most of my surgeries they just automatically give you a xanax but figured that's different with pregnancy/delivery.
@gingerbride26 I asked specifically for Xanax prior to my c section and they refused. They were concerned it could lower LOs HR. This was only an hour or two before surgery so I wasn't able to have further discussions to inquire about any additional options for anxiety. I'm sure it would be a great question for your OB ahead of time though!
@gingerbride26 i have some bulging in my L4 & L 5 too. I didn’t have any issues with the spinal but definitely scared of it. To be honest I’m still scared of it even after going through it once. Everything turned out ok. I get super nervous regardless of the many abdominal surgeries I’ve had so they typically give me some happy meds before anything starts. Ask all the questions you have!
@gingerbride26, if it’s not too personal a question, may I ask what connective tissue disorder you have? I had genetic testing due to my retinas detaching a year and a half ago, and I have variants of uncertain significance for two connective tissue things (meaning, they are not sure whether I have these disorders or not).
@sm05-2 don't mind at all! I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome - been waiting 6 months to get my full genetic panel back. Clinically they've diagnosed me with "hypermobility" sub-type but the geneticist told me that they've really only identified the markers for the classical and vascular sub types - which are the most dangerous - and the panel was being used more to rule those types out rather than confirm a diagnosis. For EDS you need to have certain physical characteristics more than certain variants for diagnosis (info on EDS homepage) - each subtype has its own quirks. In my case I don't have the typical super stretchy skin, but I have easy bruising, slow healing wounds, hypermobile joints (can touch thumb to same arm with little trouble and bend fingers 90 deg backwards without pain) with frequent dislocations, chronic joint pain, chronic fatigue, arthritis and repetitive motion injuries since my 20's, anxiety, tachycardia, and functional gastro issues.
Thanks @gingerbride26! EDS was one of the disorders that I have those variants of unknown significance for the particular gene. For me, doctors are leaning toward it being benign, and after looking at all of the criteria, I would be surprised to have it. Because scientists aren’t sure what my genetic variant does, I suppose they can’t say for sure.
I recently delivered baby via csection (don’t have the energy to post the full story). This time the doctor offered lidocaine patches which were applied right above my incision to help numb the area. I felt like they helped a lot and got me off the hard core pain meds much faster. Just wanted to throw that out as an option that you could ask your doc about
I asked about the lidocaine patch and the nurse said that some doctor also do something similar to a pump that sends pain medication to the incision. It’s put at the time they close you up. It’s pretty interesting and plan to ask my doctor about it. I remember the painful numb areas so any localized pain relief would be wonderful!
Btw. I had my anesthesia consult yesterday - because of my easy bleeding and other issues I can’t get epidural or spinal and will have general anesthesia for my CS. Once again I’m the outlier lol
@lindsayleigh1989 I’m ok with it. Dh is more upset than me because he can’t come in And they said baby stays with me whole time so he has an anxious wait until we’re both out. Maybe they can give him the Xanax lol. Ive never been a Big birth plan or birth experience kind of gal, just want whatever gets both of us through. Everyone is a littlest concerned wtf we do if I go into spontaneous labor before 39 And they have to do it faster than general allows but we’ll cross that if we get there. I fully expect leaving the hospital on bed rest orders to keep him cooking and/or moved up cs date.
Re: C-section check in and questions
i don’t get any specific maternity leave, just FMLA during which I will be using sick/vacation time to stay in paid status. I’m thinking of just taking the day before, or even working through if we end up scheduling on a Monday. Thoughts?
I am starting to get very anxious for delivery. I also need to find some hospital/most surgery comfortable outfits.
1. Are you definitely having a c-section, considering one, or more likely than average to need one? If already scheduled, when are you having it?
I am definitely having a C section even though I went to two OB’s and a specialist to get cleared for a vaginal delivery.
2. Why are you having or possibly having a c-section?
My story is kind of uniques because Ibhad a Myomectomy (removal of Fibroids) in 2009 and had an unplanned vafinal delivery with my daughter in 2013. I went into labor and progressed so quickly that they had no choice but to let me have her natural. Given that Ibhvae already had a natural delivery no one will clear me to have another natural deliver. I was bummed out about this news because I just assumed I would have another natural delivery. There is still a fear that my Uterus can rupture even though the t have proven to withstand a natural delivery.
3. Have you had a c-section before? If so, when and what were the circumstances? Any details you are willing to share about your past experience/birth story would be great. If you've had both a c-section and a vaginal birth feel free to compare your experience with the two. If you had a vaginal birth and were later told your next should be delivered by c-section, what was the reason?
Nope
4. How do you feel about having or potentially having a c-section?
I am am not happy about it considering my multiple attempts to find a doctor that would let me go natural. After the third NO I gave up because it was just too emotionally draining.
5. Questions, other concerns, tips? Please feel free to add whatever you like!
My main concern is being awake during the surgery. I have heard horror stories about this. I would much rather go natural with no meds, than go through a csection awake. We shall see how it all pans out though.
I have read your responses and it has helped put it all into perspective for me.
2. Why are you having or possibly having a c-section? I have already had 3 c-sections and I'm also having twins. So there's a couple reasons why.
3. Have you had a c-section before? If so, when and what were the circumstances? Any details you are willing to share about your past experience/birth story would be great. If you've had both a c-section and a vaginal birth feel free to compare your experience with the two. If you had a vaginal birth and were later told your next should be delivered by c-section, what was the reason? I have had 3 -- my first was due to an unusually short umbilical cord so baby was unable to progress down to the birth canal. Others were just repeat.
4. How do you feel about having or potentially having a c-section? It's the only type of birth I know! So, of course I am nervous, but I'm fine with it. In my mind it's just the way babies exit my body. lol
5. Questions, other concerns, tips? Please feel free to add whatever you like! Take those stool softeners, expect to have gas pain in your shoulders and shake afterwards. Supporting your stomach with a pillow while walking helps.
yes, 39+0, 7/19/18
2. Why are you having or possibly having a c-section?
3rd c section, 2nd scheduled
3. Have you had a c-section before? If so, when and what were the circumstances? Any details you are willing to share about your past experience/birth story would be great. If you've had both a c-section and a vaginal birth feel free to compare your experience with the two. If you had a vaginal birth and were later told your next should be delivered by c-section, what was the reason?
1st c section was what they call a failed induction due to unfavorable position. I labored for 12 hours, stuck at 4 cm for 11 hrs.
2nd c section was scheduled at 39+0 because hospital had a no VBAC policy.
Recovering from major surgery after laboring all day was way worse than having a scheduled c section first thing on the morning.
I drove at 2 weeks postpartum after both times. I stayed alone with my 19 month old and newborn at 12 days postpartum
4. How do you feel about having or potentially having a c-section?
I came to terms with it a long time ago. From the time they decided to do a c section to the time my first was out it was about 15 minutes, and I struggled emotionally the first time. I didn’t realize it was major surgery and my husband didn’t realize how much help I needed or how much pain I was in.
5. Questions, other concerns, tips? Please feel free to add whatever you like!
Pain meds are no joke, and nurses won’t bring them to you without requesting them. If you know they wear off at 1, don’t wait until 1:30 to ask for them. I stupidly let them wear off completely on my second night. Also, make sure your doctor knows if you’re planning on breastfeeding so they can prescribe something baby friendly.
avoid gassy food (legumes, broccoli)
Carry a pillow because it’ll hurt to laugh, poop, cough, sneeze. The pillow helps
Stool softener will help, but nothing prepares you for that first postpartum bm
Walking helps speed up recovery. Rest is important, but don’t spend all day in bed. I found it hard getting in and out of bed, so I spent my days on the couch, even if I napped. Don’t overdo it, but walk around your hospital room then your house.
Wear the abdominal binder. It helps with gas pain and support the first few weeks.
Listen to your body, but remember it takes 6-8 weeks for your incision to fully close. Just because you feel mostly back to normal after 2-3 weeks doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still take it easy
Don’t be surprised if the area around your incision/scar is numb months later
Found out Monday they were thinking CS, and they just called to schedule - 39W - 7/24 @ 10 AM (there was an 8 am, but I wanted to be able to drop DD off at daycare and not mess with normal routines more than necessary)
2. Why are you having or possibly having a c-section?
Bulging discs and connective tissue disorder that leaves me high risk for dislocations, rupturing the discs further, pelvic ligament damage, prolapse... also if baby has same genetic disorder safer for him
3. Have you had a c-section before? If so, when and what were the circumstances? Any details you are willing to share about your past experience/birth story would be great. If you've had both a c-section and a vaginal birth feel free to compare your experience with the two. If you had a vaginal birth and were later told your next should be delivered by c-section, what was the reason?
This is my first CS - DD was born vaginally after 3 hour precipitous labor. I wasn't diagnosed yet at time of DD's birth and although I'd been complaining about my back hurting before DD full extent of disc damage wasn't known until after DD - and no one thought to ask my orthopod's opinion until 33 weeks pregnant this time >_<
4. How do you feel about having or potentially having a c-section?
The only thing that gives me anxiety is the spinal block - mostly because it's my L4-L5 discs that are FUBAR and they need to do it below L2. Plan on asking a lot of questions and talking with anesthesiology ahead of time - my condition also comes with special reactions to anesthesia
5. Questions, other concerns, tips? Please feel free to add whatever you like!
So many great tips here already, thank you. I have an OB appointment friday to discuss - but in general have they given you anything for anxiety before/during? - most of my surgeries they just automatically give you a xanax but figured that's different with pregnancy/delivery.
I hope your c-section goes well!