2nd C-Section Question

[BearHitch]

At my OB appointment yesterday I scheduled my c-section just in case I don't go into labor before then - the 36 week ultrasound showed DS's belly to be measuring at a 41 week old baby level and he was 8 lbs 9 oz then...  I am being retested for diabetes as well but I had a question about c-sections.  

Does anyone know if you can / have they had both the spinal block and an opoid (i.e. demerol) in combination?  My objective is to be loopy as possible during the procedure in case I have to have one, and I had this during my 1st labor before the epidural and I remember it making me very happy.  

I am so nervous about having another c-section... I feel like I've been defeated.  I still think I want to try a VBAC if I go into labor before the 22nd, but... the doctor advised me of additional complications I could face with him being so big, like his belly getting stuck.  I feel selfish for wanting a VBAC because of the problems DS could face.

An Anxious Bearhitch

[alikat1205]

I understand your apprehension.  I have never been in this situation since I never scheduled a c/s (but ended up with 2 anyway) but I have heard that you can ask your doctor for something prior to the c/s to calm your nerves, maybe valium? I don't know, but you should absolutely let your doctor know you are very anxious and would like something and see what they say.  I would want that too!

[BearHitch]

I guess that is an excellent idea (valium).  I've never had it before but really I am just looking for anything to make me not all there.  I will definitely bring it up when I have the prior appointment if I have to, but I was just curious if anyone knew.  The nurse told me about a spinal block with morphine in it so you don't have pain the first 24 hours after the surgery - I will DEFINITELY be wanting that too!

[tiredbuthappy]

i suspect there's something you can take. During my c-sec I had a bad reaction where i had incredibly intense sharp pains running through my chest to my back. They told me it was normal and heartburn, but it was insanely intense and I probably started to panic -although if you ask me, i'd say i was calm :)
anyways, they put something in my IV and i was instantly groggy and out of it. still conscious- sort of- but not all there. i barely remember the rest of the procedure. i didn't even care when they put dd on me in recovery. i hope to avoid that this time. DH said it was something related to benadryl. it definitely calmed me, but this time I hope to acknowledge my newborn.

something that did help me through the jitters before and during the procedure (until that episode) was my mp3 player. i just zoned out and listened to music that calmed me. i ignored everyone around me, closed my eyes and breathed deep. i plan on doing it again.

[Annice1234]

i was begginggg for drugs during my section. i had wickeddd anxiety and was hyper ventilating.  they wouldn't give any meds to me until AFTER the baby was out.  they didnt want them to affect him.  it could have been because he was a micro preemie though...maybe it's different if you have  term baby.  

[peekawho]

Anything they give you that acts systemically will unfortunately go to the baby.  If a drug is given right before birth, the baby gets the full dose, and then is born.  Once born and away from the mothers circulatory system, the baby will then have to break down and excrete whatever drug the mother was given.

This can sometimes take days, and can lead to decreased nursing or difficulty latching, lethargy, and other problems.

They try to avoid it whenever possible.   You likely had some sort of pain medication with your first that made you get that loopy feeling.  You can ask, but I don't think they'll be likely to do it.  
Right after the baby is born is another story.  They can fill you full of loopy-happy medications then.  Just ask if you are uncomfortable or in pain.

[tiredbuthappy]

yea- come to think of it, i think it was after the baby was out that i got something.

[melimeli]

I had a vbac with this baby.. they put an edpidural in as soon as I went into labor incase of the need for an emergency c.  it was great everything went perfect.  When I had my emergency c with my prior I only had an epidural and I was fine... I don´t think you will need more than an epidural to be ok...

vbacs are much more common now and not all to dangerous as long as you take precautions... no stimulating meds.. ie potocin,  not going over due date, and make sure there is a dr at the hospital 24/7 that can preform c sections and an anestesiologist so that if you do need an emergency c they can preform it immediatly.

the main reason for the requirement of c´s after your first came mainly from malpractice insurance raising rates for dr´s that preformed vbacs but now they are backing off from that stance...

good luck, take precautions and happy pushing

[Annice1234]

i'm glad you said that peek.  i was starting to think i just had really mean drs.  i really was begging for them!!  but yeah...as soon as he was out, drugs went right into my iv.  i don't remember much after that.  i didn't want to...

[BearHitch]

Well, I still plan to try a VBAC if I go into labor before my scheduled section, but I am nervous of that becoming more complicated than a repeat c-section.  I didn't realize those drugs worked that quickly where the baby would get the full amount too.  Would it be out of his system if I took it when I got there (you have to arrive 90 minutes early)?  With my first I had demerol before the epidural because of my back labor... and no, the epidural was not enough for my c-section.  I could still feel it and when they told me I would just feel pressure - well, that was painful too.  I shook the whole time - I was terrified and unfortunately going thru one doesn't make me feel more confident doing it a 2nd time  :S

Thanks for the posts!  

[kellym]

I had a crummy 1st c-section. I was being induced w/dd and 24hrs later had a c-section. They used the epidural and when they decided to switch to c-section they came in and pumped about 3 syringes full of meds in my iv and I was HAMMERED!. I shook terribly and uncontrollably after the birth and the shaking exhausted my whole body. I wanted them to strap me down or have my dh hold my arms down as hard as he could becauses my muscles were so sore from shaking and contracting. I was scared to death for my 2nd. It was a totally different experience. It was 6am and planned. We went in and I got a spinal block and that was that. It didn't hurt like the epidural did and it didn't make me shake at all. It was totally different.  The spinal block will be different for you, I know you're scared but just discuss your worries w/your dr. and make them aware of your concerns. If you get to do the v-bac, that would  be awesome...That scares me too :)

[pertykitty]

even an epi gives meds to the baby i recently found out, pretty scary when you see the "what ifs".  there is so much great info out there.  
http://www.*****************.org/labornbirth/epidural.html

i have talked (on a forum i visit) with many many women (many are doulas or midwives) and the info is astonishing what you can do after a csection.  of course some drs do scare you into another c section.  of course some do say they are willing to do a vbac, then tell you your baby is too big, or you are at risk, blah blah blah.  in reality most women can safely do a vbac, and they can do it even if they are late.  the truth is its better to do it without any drugs or interventions at all.  

learn more about how the body works during labor.  the more you know and understand the less you will be afraid.  i have been told that a hypnobirthing is a great choice to use and the bradley method.  

call the hospital you will deliver at and ask the charge nurse about vbacs.  some hospitals actually dont allow it.  find out who they think is the most liberal with letting women labor instead of just turning to a c section in a heartbeat.  id love to go with a birthing center but there isnt one anywhere near where i live :(

[BearHitch]

Well, I decided to go ahead and schedule a c-section and if I go into labor before that, great!  I can give it a shot (a VBAC).  I am not scared so much of labor as I have been thru that, it is just the actual c-section (well, and maybe of the recovery afterwards because my first time it was just me for a month while baby was in NICU and this time I will have a newborn and an active toddler).  I feel better or more reassured if you will when I read of people who had a better 2nd experience like with a different doctor.  This time I will have an actual doctor (last time I had 2 residents and an intern) with me the whole time and I will not be in a teaching hospital which I think will make an incredible difference as my OB care in general has been better.  

[pertykitty]

my second c section was no problem i was ready to go home that day if they would have let me.  i hate the shoulder pain i get after.  i wish you best of luck either way.  

[peekawho]

The second section is often easier, because you have been through one already, and know what to expect this time.   And also, being a mom already makes you somewhat hardier--you will be up and around in no time.

[spade22]

Ask your doctor if something like Visteral would be acceptable for you to take to calm your nerves if necessary.  I was told this can be given during the labor process if needed.  I think its important to let your doctor know you are anxious about C-section so they are aware of it and can let you know what options are available to you.