Question for those who have had 2 or more c-sections

hey ladies, I am currently 13 weeks with baby # 3, and my previous 2 were c-sections.  I had always thought that the 2nd c-section was easier then the first, but this wasnt the case for me.  With my second, it was horrible, even after they discharged me I would just cry because I was in so much pain I could barely move.  I am starting to get concerned if that is normal, because I REALLY dont want to go through pain like that again.  Im normally pretty good with pain, with my 1st c-section if I dont ebven think i took 2 of the painkillers, of course with the second I HAD  to take them to even make the pain bearable.  Should I talk to my dr about this? its a new dr.  Maybe something went wrong with the 2nd one that caused so much pain? maybe it can be prevented? I dunno, just thought i would try to get some opnions from women who have had more the one c-section to see if the pain got better or worse...thanks!!!!

[40smama]

I have had 4 & am planning on my 5th in six weeks.  Did you have a PCP pump after your surgery?  I would check on what pain killer they used after your 2nd c-section.  For me, oral Percocet did nothing for the pain so I was prescribed a different med and it worked much, much better. I hope things go much better this time around - good luck!!

[ziggysgrl0724]

when you had ur c-sections did each one get easier to recover from? or were they all equal in pain, time to recover, etc.?

[kris123]

my second was a nightmare - i was asleep for the first so it was ok - the spinal sucked i had a dr that couldn't get it right and damn did it hurt - he is like do you feel pain and i felt it in my arms to my toes - after 45 min the other dr came in and got it with the first try - the pressure when they took the baby out sucked to not that i felt pain i hate pressure - after that i couldn't stop shaking - it was terrible - that was what happen to me - i would have rather been alseep or had a natural birth which i think was way better then the last one.

[PhotoMommy]

I've had 2 and am having my 3rd in August.  I had GREAT experiences both times.  With my first his head was out enough that they could rub the top of his head but he was really stuck and they let me push for 3 1/2 hours before they made me get a c-section.  I opted for it the second time and both times they let me go home in 2 days and I was out shopping the next day!  I hope it goes better for you this time!!  When are you due?

[40smama]

I remember thinking there was a vast difference between the 1st and 2nd in regards to pain management & recovery time - it was much better the 2nd time around.  The others had generally the same recovery period as the 2nd.  Maybe going through 24 hours of labor before having the 1st one made the difference?  I wish I knew.

[peekawho]

It's possible there was scar tissue or adhesions the second time, that made it more painful.  You would also need to know if you rec'd a medication in the spinal called Duramorph.  Perhaps the second time, the anesthesiologist didn't use it.  Some don't.  (Its entirely up to anesthesia, not the OB).  

If you can't find out, just be SURE when you go in for your C/S, to talk to the anesthesiologist and tell them you really, really had a lot of pain last time, and want to be sure you are given Duramorph this time.  Almost everyone uses it these days, but it won't hurt to be sure.

If you are not given Duramorph, when the spinal wears off you are in a world of hurt.  You can also ask your OB for a PCA pump if the pain is bad afterwards this time.  Hopefully, last time was a fluke and this time you'll sail through again in very little pain.

Insist they give you Duramorph, though.  They probably will....but be sure you insist.  LOL!

[Logan206]

I've had 2 c-sections,and the second was a little easier recovery than the first.  My first wasn't too bad, but I labored for about 12 hrs before it.  I think the second was easier because my muscles weren't sore from labor on top of the surgery.  Or, maybe I was just   more aware of what to expect and i took my pain meds (just motrin) before the pain started to set in each day that first week.

Hope it goes more smoothly for you this third time around!

[ziggysgrl0724]

thank you all for your advice/stories.  I am kinda nervous going through the surgery again after the pain I went through last time, but I am def. going to be more proactive this time to discuss my concerns and what can be done!!

Peek- thank you very much for the suggestion.  I will def. bring that up.  My loast c-section after I recieved my spinal, I had a very drastic drop in my blood pressure thagt required an immediate injection to fix it, they say it is a common side effect, but along with the duramorph, I am going to make sure they have that blood pressure med also.  That feeling was the scariest, I actually felt like I was dying!!