For mothers who have stayed awake for c-section?

Question

I am having a c-section with this pregnancy and I am worried about being awake for it. Can anyone with this experience share with me? I know it doesn't hurt, but it has to be freaky. I'm just scared! Please help!

Answer 1

I have had three c-sections, awake for all of them. I am not going to lie to you, it is a little strange but no stranger than childbirth itself, if you think about it, lol. There is a lot of tugging and pulling that you will be aware of. All 3 times it made me sick to my stomach. But that was the worst of it.
My first c-section was an emergency. My labor had failed to progress and my daughter was in distress. I was so exhausted and full of pain-killers, I barely remember it, although, "technically", I was awake. I just remember feeling relieved my labor was going to be over and of course, the tugging when they were trying to get her out.
During my second c-section, my ob-gyn and the nurses were just chatting away while they delivered my son and stitched me back up. The subject? The hockey game the doc was going to that weekend. That time the circumstances were more relaxed, (it was planned because my son was transverse and had the cord wrapped around him so he wasn't going to drop). I had really built up all this anxiety in my head the night before especially about the epidural. It all turned out to be nothing. Again except for the tugging and pulling.
I found out I was pregnant a 3rd time and just said what the heck been through it 2 times all ready might as well make it a third. Again, a very relaxed atmosphere. The ob and the nurses just chatting away, checking in on me, sometimes making comments on how the procedure was going.
You won't be able to see when the doctor makes his incisions and when the baby is born. There is a sheet that blocks your view. Once the baby is born, they do lift him/her up so you can see. You won't be able to hold the baby because your arms will be restrained. I didn't like that part either.
If you want to talk more about it, please don't hesitate to email me. I would be happy to help you through this. I want to tell you not to be scared but I know from experience that is easier said than done, lol.

Answer 2

I stayed awake for mine and I felt really lucky to be a part of the process. The only weirdness is the sensation you experience when the doctor is making the incision- you feel some pressure and usually vomit, only once maybe twice and seriously that is the only discomfort. Being awake for the most important event that you'll probably experience is totally worth any mild freakiness.

Answer 3

I had a c-section with my daughter, after I had been given an epidural during labor. It's a little weird, but of course not painful at all. They put a sheet up from your chest down, so you can't see what is going on, and when they pull the baby out, it just feels like a slight pulling sensation. Don't be nervous, it's so interesting. Just think, not many people get to experience something like this.After they take the baby out, they will hold him/her up, so that you can see over the sheet. Your husband can stay on your side of the sheet, or watch what is going on. It happens pretty fast, so it's over before you know it. Good luck!

Answer 4

I won't lie...it is scary, but my husband was with me and that made all the difference. The only thing I "felt" was when (excuse the grossness of this) they were putting, basically, my insides back in. I kind of felt like the Scarecrow when they were stuffing the straw back in him. I didn't feel it, but I felt the pressure and the jiggling of my body. The were not very gentle, but then again I had and emergency c-section so it was a little more rushed.
Good Luck and be well. Everything will be fine. : )

Answer 5

hun it will be OK i am a mother of three and all c-section! my first i fell asleep do to having to try to push 8 years with a moron doctor! but with my other two the do the epidural ( i think it is spelled right) then lay you down the only thing you fell is pressure And then before you know it is all over! Who do you have going in with you? Just have them talk to you you will be ok trust me the hardest part if following the rules of healing lol i hated not being able to do the stuff for what seemed like Forever lol!!

Answer 6

ok i wasnt actually awake in mine had to have G/A but they put a little screen up so u cant see what they will be doing but they will talk u tho it. u will feel pressure as the baby is being taken out. dont be scared tho . its completely routine for them. u will be sore for awhile afterwards so just take it easy. i know its natural to be abit scared because motherhood is. im sure u will be fine and congrats to u! x maybe try and watch some of the birthing storys they have on tv shows - i used to alot when i was preg.

Answer 7

I doubt if you'll be able to actually see the procedure as it has to be draped and sterile environment. You may feel pressure during the opening and some tossling as the doctors remove your baby. They may show you your child and stitch you back up. I'm quite sure that you will be in a relaxed state during the entire procedure and fall asleep quickly afterwards.
I was mildly sedated during this so it's all I recall and nothing scarey about it. Good luck to you and no worries. Congrats on your upcoming family. :D

Answer 8

I did not feel any pain, but I did feel the pressure relief when they pulled her feet from underneath my ribs. I was very comfortable, although somewhat groggy during the procedure. I will say that I was exhausted and very irratible afterwards for a few hours. After a little sleep, I was great and would do a C-section all over again!

Answer 9

ok, all that's going to happen is that you are going to sign a bunch of papers about the baby, insurance, and weather or not you should get an epidural shot. you are going to get it any way. but don't worry, it's not going to hurt until after the surgery is over. your going to be awaken by a nurse pushing your stomach to get all the afterbirth out. now, that's going to hurt. your going to be in the hospital for approx. 3 to 4 days depending on how well your body is doing. you'll know when your going home when you'll be able to doo-doo. you also have to do alot of walking too. It hurts very badly. all I have to say is be patient. I had 2 c-sections and from time to time it still hurts. I'm also still taking pain medicine for it. The medicine is call Perpecet. It's a blue small pill. They might substitute it for Motrin. well that's your answer.

Answer 10

i am a mother of two and both c section.first they put the epidural so i felt numb. the the doc put the screen up. so i felt then jiggling my tummy but i could not see. then they pulled my baby out. they lay the baby next to me. he was crying and red. it was the most beautiful sight in my whole life. i was in tears and wanted to get down from the bed to take him in my arms!!! the doc was laughing and was finishing the procedure. then i felt a bit nauseous.i told her that i was feeling bad. she gave me an injection on my hand and i passed out. when i came to..i saw the entire OT staff laughing with joy. they were saying that it was a boy and the operation was successful.i took my baby in my arms and looked at him for the first time. instantly i forgot all my pains and wanted to hold this baby to my heart forever. 'i am a mom'i said to myself."i am a complete woman'i thought. dont worry. you are embarking on the most beautiful journey of your life time. i wish you all the best.