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Terrified about having a c-section
Any advice on how to stay calm? Any insight you can share to let me know what I am going to expect before, during and after surgery?
Not to scare you or anything, but its normal to throw up during labor, regardless whether you have a vaginal delivery or a c-section. That's why many hospitals don't let you eat much or at all during labor.
But that's what nurses and doctors are there for to take care of you, so trust them that they will. I think that they usually give you some stuff to relieve nausea when you get the epidural. At least that's what the nurse said at the labor and delivery class at my hospital.
But that's what nurses and doctors are there for to take care of you, so trust them that they will. I think that they usually give you some stuff to relieve nausea when you get the epidural. At least that's what the nurse said at the labor and delivery class at my hospital.
They will tell you that you cannot eat or drink after midnight the day before your surgery. So you probably won't have that issue of throwing up . I'm fairly certain you won't get sick like this with your surgery.
Yes you will be awake because they will put in the spinal block and it will just numb you from waist down. It's a bit weird but like I said they get the baby out within minutes and after the baby's out you won't be paying too much attention to everything else that's going on in the OR. You'll be stiched back up in no time. Honestly in all it's about a 30 minute procedure.
Yes you will be awake because they will put in the spinal block and it will just numb you from waist down. It's a bit weird but like I said they get the baby out within minutes and after the baby's out you won't be paying too much attention to everything else that's going on in the OR. You'll be stiched back up in no time. Honestly in all it's about a 30 minute procedure.
You guys are the best. I appreaciate all the insight, especially from you YvetteY. Tis may sound werid because I don't know a lot of people with this same fear, but I have a fear of throwing up and I hear that in surgery and even in the recovery, there is a chance that I could get sick. This is really what terrifies me, and the fact that I will be awake during the surgery when all my other surgeries I have been put to sleep. I guess I'll find out on my own soon enough (3 weeks) but I sure does help me to be able to talk about this. Thank you!
No advice on how to stay calm...maybe ask them to give you a xanax for anxiety or something or just practice some deep breathing.
However, I can tell you more or less what's going to happen. PREOP -This part takes longer than the c-section....You'll check in and they'll have you undress and put on a gown and probably a cap....see if you can wear brand new socks that are still in a package and don't open them until you're getting dressed for surgery. It will be very cold in the OR.
Then they will probably put an IV in your vein and a catheter in your bladder. Then the anesthesiologist will come and hook you up with the saddle block (very similar to epidural). This will go in your spine and you will feel things only from approximately the midsection up. Then they will wheel you into the OR and put up a drape just above your chest. You won't be able to see anything that is going on.
Then they check you to make sure you are numb. Then they will start the incision in and you will feel a lot of tugging and pulling and pushing, but no pain. They will probably get the baby out within 5 minutes. They might show you the baby for a second or they will hand the baby off to the nurses who will clean up baby and do what they need to do. After that they'll probably let your husband or whoever hold the baby and he will probably be the one who shows you the baby. Unfortunately you're really not going to be able to hold him. You may not even be able to hold him until you're out of the recovery room. In the meantime the OB is getting out the rest of the placenta and stitching you up.
Then baby will go off to the nursery and you will be sent to a recovery room. The anesthesiologist will probably give you a good dose of a pain medicine that will take care of the pain for the next 24 hours. It makes you sleepy too. Then they may bring the baby into the recovery room with you and your husband for some baby bonding time. If you're lucky you may get ice chips at this point.
The anxious family members won't be able to see you in the recovery room and they probably will just be able to see the baby in the nursery. You will eventually pass out and to be honest, not sure what happens to husband or baby at this point.
In a few h ours they will put you in your own room and later on a nurse will come and wake you up and tell you the baby is hungry. Then they will try to get you to walk around!!
The next morning they will probably remove the catheter and any IVs. That's basically it in a nutshell. You will be able to stay in hospital for 4 days (it's a law) and I suggest taking advantage of it. You will feel a lot better when you go home. At one point in time the OB will come to remove the staples...not sure what day or when ...i've forgotten.
It's not a big deal....I just don't like not being able to bond with the baby right away.
However, I can tell you more or less what's going to happen. PREOP -This part takes longer than the c-section....You'll check in and they'll have you undress and put on a gown and probably a cap....see if you can wear brand new socks that are still in a package and don't open them until you're getting dressed for surgery. It will be very cold in the OR.
Then they will probably put an IV in your vein and a catheter in your bladder. Then the anesthesiologist will come and hook you up with the saddle block (very similar to epidural). This will go in your spine and you will feel things only from approximately the midsection up. Then they will wheel you into the OR and put up a drape just above your chest. You won't be able to see anything that is going on.
Then they check you to make sure you are numb. Then they will start the incision in and you will feel a lot of tugging and pulling and pushing, but no pain. They will probably get the baby out within 5 minutes. They might show you the baby for a second or they will hand the baby off to the nurses who will clean up baby and do what they need to do. After that they'll probably let your husband or whoever hold the baby and he will probably be the one who shows you the baby. Unfortunately you're really not going to be able to hold him. You may not even be able to hold him until you're out of the recovery room. In the meantime the OB is getting out the rest of the placenta and stitching you up.
Then baby will go off to the nursery and you will be sent to a recovery room. The anesthesiologist will probably give you a good dose of a pain medicine that will take care of the pain for the next 24 hours. It makes you sleepy too. Then they may bring the baby into the recovery room with you and your husband for some baby bonding time. If you're lucky you may get ice chips at this point.
The anxious family members won't be able to see you in the recovery room and they probably will just be able to see the baby in the nursery. You will eventually pass out and to be honest, not sure what happens to husband or baby at this point.
In a few h ours they will put you in your own room and later on a nurse will come and wake you up and tell you the baby is hungry. Then they will try to get you to walk around!!
The next morning they will probably remove the catheter and any IVs. That's basically it in a nutshell. You will be able to stay in hospital for 4 days (it's a law) and I suggest taking advantage of it. You will feel a lot better when you go home. At one point in time the OB will come to remove the staples...not sure what day or when ...i've forgotten.
It's not a big deal....I just don't like not being able to bond with the baby right away.
I myself have had 2 c-sections one was with my 1st I labored for a long time and my dr decided to operate. My 2nd c-section was with my 3rd I had alot of complications with my pg so my dr wanted a scheduled c-section. They honestly are over so quickly it's amazing. It can be overwhelming I think the prep is the worst but during your hubby is there with you and your dr well at least mine did will explain every step and the nurses will ask you how you are along with the anasthesiologist. Be sure to follow up with your dr and the nurses will guide you along in the hospital what you need to do. Try to enjoy becoming a mother even if it means surgery.....You will hear alot of horror stories but if it was that bad women out there like me wouldn't be having their 4th. You will do great. Good luck and best wishes to you and your baby!
AP
AP
I don't have any advice, just try to keep in your head holding your baby for the first time! Stay relaxed, and know that it won't last forever, it will soon all be over with! I've never had a c-section as this is my first baby, but my sister has and she advised me, as long as you want to recover, you'll recover faster. Don't baby yourself after the surgery, the more active you are, and more you try to recover the quicker you will! Good luck! When is your c-section scheduled for??
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