Going to have a C-Section...any words of wisdom?

Question

This coming Friday I'm going to have a C-section. This is mine and my husbands first child so obviously I'm nervous, anxious, excited (to finally have the baby lol). And I was just wondering exactly what all happens before, during, and after the operation and if there's anything I should look for.

The more knowledge I have, the more I'll be able to relax :)

THANKS!

Answer 1

My baby was breech so i had a c-section as well. The only things I was not prepared for was the epidural. I did not think that would hurt as much as it did. When they do this your husband is not allowed in the OR with you. He will be brought in a little later. I felt the effects immediatley and when they had me lay down and swing my legs on the bed, I couldn't because I couldn't feel my legs, lol. When they took the baby out I was overcome with nausea. I know people that have vomited at this time. They say it will take a few hours for you to get your feeling in your legs back, but it took me about 12 hours. I was very sore when I could feel my body again, however not to the point that I needed the pain meds they tried to give me. You will bleed a lot. Make sure to take the stool sofetner pills they give you. They won't let you leave the hospital until you pass gas or have a bowel movement which can be real painful if you have to push since your abdomen will be sore. Be sure to keep your incision area dry. Mine got infected and I was sick for almost a month. If need be, tape some gauze on it to ensure it staying dry. Oh and when they first bring that beautiful baby to you, you will cry and feel a feeling so undescribable! It lets you know how much you are capable of loving and that all the morning sickness was well worth it :-)

Answer 2

Did your doc explain any of this to you? You dont have much to worry about, if you are being induced. On the other hand, my first was emergency. When I went in for my second c-section, it was voluntary. They will get your clothes off and have you put the gown on. The nurse will come in and start the monitors on your belly and they will start an IV, to give you some fluids. Then ( I thought this was the worst) they will put a catheter in your bladder. They have you drink some kind of nasty tasting stuff so it will help with nausea. Then hopefully, after not long they will take you down to the operating room. You will hear everything. I do mean everything. After they had pulled my son out (youll feel ALOT of pressure when they pull the baby out) the person that keeps track of all the equipment started counting and she got to 13 and I started freaking out, I kept on asking my fiance "what are they counting"? I must have asked him a hundred times. I think I made the lady upset, because after they explained to methey were counting sponges and I calmed down, she started re-counting the sponges. I was terrifed they were counting fingers or toes. You'll be fine. Just listen to your doc. Take some deep breaths, because before you know it, you'll be a Mommy! Congrats and Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Congratulations! Don't be nervous. When I went in for my C-section, The nurses monitored all of my vitals and the baby's vitals for about an hour. Then the worst part (to me at least) was they inserted a catheter. After that, they had me walk to the operating room. (this was my first time in the O.R. so I was a little scared but I knew I was in good hands.) They asked me to sit on the table. The anesthesiologist came in explained everything she was going to do. 2 nurses attended to me, one "hugging" me to prep for the Spinal and the other assisting the anesthesiologist. It didn't hurt at all. It was a little uncomfortable but not painful. Then the nurses helped me lay down quickly. The spinal works almost instantly. As soon as I laid down, my legs were numb. Then they had these 2 boards which are attached to the table, they strap your arms on. Then they allowed my hubby to come in. They put a sheet up so that you can't see what they are doing. Then they go to work. I didn't feel anything, except the "pressure" of the Dr.s removing my baby. Once they started it only took about 15 mins before I was able to see my baby, I couldn't hold him yet. Then they take the baby away to clean him up. I was wheeled into the Recovery room where a nurse watched my vitals for 45 mins. They want the Spinal to wear off. I was so excited and mad at the nurses because they wouldn't let me go to my room too see my baby. After that I visited with my hubby and our baby. I didn't take any other drugs besides the spinal. Within 6 hours I was up and walking (though the nurses didn't want me to.) I had a very quick recovery because I refused to lay around and let others take care of my baby. It only took about 3 weeks until I was back to my normal self. You will do just fine. Take care and good luck :)

Answer 4

I had a c-section with my first. Everyone afterwards seemed to express 'Poor me' to me?? I don't know what all the fuss was about? I had to have one because I never dilated far enough to have a natural birth, my son decided he was coming out that way and all I cared about was the fact that he came out fine and healthy!
The first night may be a little uncomfortable, because you are in bed until at least the next day because you have had major abdominal surgery. The thing I would say is don't be afraid to ask for your pain killers when they are due - as a new Mum you have to pick up a new baby and feed it, so you may find yourself overdoing it a bit.
I started exercising (walking) within a week, within my own capabilities. It was still tender for at least 4-6 months and by that I mean, my husband couldn't pick me up around the waist and throw me around like he used to. Now, after two years I have the tiniest little scar above the pubic line and no one would even know it was there. You can't see it even with the tiniest of g-strings on.
I would like to have a natural birth next time, only to experience both, but in the end as long as the baby comes out fine I don't care how I give birth to it.
Good luck!! You will be fine!

Answer 5

The epidural didn't hurt, the worst thing for me before the c-section was not being able to eat. Then they do the c-section, I don't know if every doctor does this but i was knocked out with morphine right after they took my duaghter out. Then I woke up in the recovery room and they wheeled me back to my room so I could be with my husband and daughter. I felt a little nauseated. It is hard to remember everything because the morphine made me a little woozy, but then I had a little snack and carried on, I had my daughter in the room with my husband and I ( he roomed in) luckily he got up to change her. I was pretty sore but they gave me some painkillers. Then 2 days later I went home. Lots of people think they are wonder woman because they did it without drugs, but why suffer if you don't have to? Just relax, it is no that bad at all. Keep your feet elevated afterwards and try to move them around, my ankles swelled and I got muscle cramps in my legs, that was about the worst thing. Good luck.

Answer 6

Relax it's going to be o k. I have two boys and I had two c-sections. It hurt with the first one because I didn't know what to expect. You may have a totally different experience. I was awake for my second, but they had to put me asleep for the first because it was an unexpected surgery. I would rather be up because the medicine took longer to wear off after I was put to sleep. If I had to do it all over again then I would. Once you have the baby then make sure that you walk as much as you can because if you don't then gas will set up in your body and that hurts worse than having the surgery. After you get home take care of your staples and use alcohol to clean them.....it also helps ease the pain. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

First thing is don't miss the c-section class in the Lamaze class. It will lessen your fears and answer a lot of questions.
The best advice I got was to stand up straight after you start walking, do not slouch, hold your hand over your incision and stand straight. Also drink as much hot tea as you can stand the minute you wake up- gets rid of the gas pains.
Maybe someone has some new advice-mine is old school from 20 years ago, but sometimes the old fashion advice works great!
Good luck to you

Answer 8

csections arent all that bad, im due for my second one on june 5th. it doesnt take long at all and wiht my first one i wasnt all way out just numbed but it was and emergency one and wtih my second one im asking to be put out only because i had prblms with my epideral on my first one. i was in the hospital for 3 days afterwards, the kept an eye on it, the best advice i can give you is when you neen to laugh or cough or sneeze for hte first couple weeks try to craddle yout tummy cause it will hurt a lil but thats all i can reameber being painful and your baby is tottaly worth it. good luck and congrats.

Answer 9

why are you having a c- section. try to relax, they are over fast and when they get you up walk and walk as much asyou can as often as you can. the more walking you do the faster you will heal,

Answer 10

Make it horizonal to the belt line if possible.