Question:
what to expect for a schedualed c-section. please answer!?!?!?
mommy lobo
2008-04-10 13:25:03 UTC
Ok i'm only 27 weeks with my second child, however my OBGYN has booked my c-section for June 31st, 2008. (i'm due july 7th) after a 30 hour labour with my son it ended in a c-section, what can i expect the second time around? some say its easier to recover from...is this ture?? any stories or comment would be appreciated.

thanks in advance for your answers.
Eleven answers:
thegospodinofffamily
2008-04-10 13:42:46 UTC
For each planned c-section that I've had (2), it starts with fasting after midnight the night before. Then, I went to the hospital to have an amniocentesis test done. That was to make sure the baby was healthy enough to be born and that their lungs were mature. Next, I was prepped or the surgery (shaving a portion of the pubic hair, gowned, hair in a sterile cap, etc), then the nurse-anesthetist and OB came in to talk to me. Then I was brought to the operating suite and the spinal anesthesia was administered. A drape is then put up so you don't see the actual cutting through your flesh, and you are generally given oxygen by nasal cannula. Your arms may be Velcro strapped to supports. After that point, it was only a matter of minutes until the baby was out and being taken care of by the pediatrician and my husband. The rest of the surgery (vacating the uterus, repairing tissues and closing) can take an another 45 to 75 minutes. I was also given Dura-Morph with the spinal anesthesia, and it was a God send. I was able to walk to the NICU by late afternoon. It seriously helps to control the pain for the first 24 hours, but may cause slight side effect, like itching. I spent 5-7 days in the hospital after each c-section. I hope this helps! Congratulations and good luck.
Kristin S
2008-04-10 20:32:39 UTC
I have had 3 c sections all together 2 of which were scheduled. The scheduled c section were much better then the first unscheduled one because I was more prepared. Just that little bit of preparation made the recovery and the surgery itself so much more calm, and easy. I walked into the hospital, put on a gown. They did some blood work and took my bp. They inserted an iv.. and then I walked down to the OR. I got up on the bed. They put a spinal block in, I layed on the bed and moments later my baby was out and in my arms. I was able to hold my baby after they were weighed and cleaned up. The best thing to do is, is to get up and walk just as soon as they say you can. I know its not so fun with a catheter in (that usually stays in for 24 hours). Honestly the recovery is so much more easy and quick once you get up and start walking. Try not to be afraid, itll be a good experience, youll see!
anonymous
2008-04-10 20:35:59 UTC
Hey! i found you a video on what to expect during a c-section! it could be fun to watch!



other wise this is the basic info:



Preparation. Before the C-section, your abdomen will be cleansed. A tube (catheter) will be placed in your bladder, and intravenous (IV) lines to provide fluid and medication will be placed in a vein in your hand or arm.

Anesthesia. Regional anesthesia — which numbs only the lower part of your body — is most common. With epidural anesthesia, pain medication is injected into your lower back just outside the sac that surrounds your spinal cord. With a spinal block, the medication is injected directly into the sac surrounding your spinal cord. You'll be able to hear and see the baby right after delivery.



In an emergency, general anesthesia may be needed. With this type of anesthesia, you won't be able to see, feel or hear anything during the birth.



Abdominal incision. The doctor will make an incision through your abdominal wall. It's usually done horizontally near the pubic hairline. If a large incision is needed or the baby must be delivered very quickly, a vertical incision may be made from just below the navel to just above the pubic bone.



Uterine incision. The uterine incision is usually made horizontally across the lower portion of the uterus (low transverse incision). Other types of uterine incisions may be used depending on the baby's position or other pregnancy complications.



Delivery. If you have epidural or spinal anesthesia, you'll likely feel some movement as the baby is pulled from your uterus — but you won't feel pain. The doctor will clear your baby's mouth and nose of fluids, and clamp and cut the umbilical cord. The placenta will be removed from your uterus, and the incisions will be closed layer by layer.
Heather B
2008-04-10 20:32:29 UTC
Well I have had two c-sections, both planned. the first was well not exactly pleasent but I survived! The second was WAY harder! The spinal didn't work so i felt everything but the actual cut. They had to knock me out immediately. I was in a lot of pain at the hospital but again I survived. Coming home was definitely harder than the first time but they said to expect it since this was the second time my uterus had gone through surgery. I had a harder time having a bowel movement with the second one and a lot harder time getting comfortable in bed. I was only comfortable sitting on the couch with a pillow. Like they say, just take it easy and try to get as much TLC as you can before the day.



I dont know about shopping the day you leave the hospital...props to that mom!

Also I never had an amniocentesis with either of mine.
sparkles9
2008-04-10 20:39:14 UTC
I will be having my 3rd c-section in August. : )



My first one was also decided after hours of unsuccessful labor.



My second c-section was planned. . .which worked out just wonderfully. I worked up until the day before, lol. I was able to have my house all in order and everything ready for a new baby. I had my babysitter for my son. . . .I can't even tell you how smoothly things went.



My Dr. is fabulous. . .my two c-section scars only look like one thin light line. . . .wonderful. : )



The recovery was a breeze. . . .I was up and walking around the place in no time. . . and didn't even have to bother with the pain meds. . .I could not have been more pleased with the entire experience.



Just enjoy your pregnancy and look forward to knowing exactly when your baby will be joining you. My prayers go up that you and I both will have another successful and easy recovery. : )
anonymous
2008-04-10 20:45:45 UTC
Tips for Creating a Positive Birth Experience:



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Create a flexible birth plan. Having a plan that you can discuss with your health care provider can give you information about their specific cesarean policies and procedures.

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Find out what the policies and regulations are for the cesarean operating room at your birthing location

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If possible, arrange to have at least one support person with your during the operation. Two support people with you is ideal, so that one can always be with you and the other with the baby, but this would have to be permitted by your birth setting and sometimes is more difficult to get approved.

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Ask if music can be played---this can often help you relax.

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Practice the deep breathing and relaxation methods you learned in childbirth class. Use these to help calm you before the surgery begins.

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Find out as much as possible about the medication and anesthesia used during a cesarean. Ask about all options and possible side affects to you and the baby.

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Ask to watch the birth with a mirror.

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Ask to have a hand free to touch the baby immediately after the birth.

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Arrange for your partner to cut the cord

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Ask if you would be able to have the baby placed on your chest while the newborn exam is performed.

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Have pictures and video taken if the birth setting allows.

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If you are planning to breastfeed, find out when you could begin after the surgery.

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Read books that educate women about cesarean birth and remember that no matter what type of birth you may have, the most important goal is to have a healthy baby and a healthy mom!





For more information on pregnancy visit my free websites the addresses of which can be easily obtained from my profile
anonymous
2008-04-10 20:33:06 UTC
A second C section is a more complicated procedure because of scar tissue and weak skin. The second time around may be a better experience though for mom simply because you now know what to expect. The recovery time depends on the mother. Dont force yourself to stand up and walk soon after. Be good to yourself and take it easy!
Horse Up
2008-04-10 20:41:28 UTC
I have had 3 c-sections and no I dont believe it is true that the second one is easier, the more you have the more it takes a toll on your body. At least thats how it was for me. But everyone is different, you cant compare or go on anyone elses experience. By far the most important thing that you have to know is that you have got to take excellent care of yourself afterwards!!! If you do you will recover just fine. Listen to your doctor! Dont lift heavy things, etc, etc, things like that. As far as the surgery, I dont think its harder, its afterwards and how you take care of yourself that counts. You will do great! Dont be scared. I had my c- sections @ 22,35 & 42, and I did fine. Crazy huh?
anonymous
2008-04-10 20:38:49 UTC
I had 2 children by c-section and the first was easier then the second in my case. I was alot bigger with my daughter then with my son I gain a lot of weight with her I also had more complications with her. So I believe that it all depends on the situation of your health and the baby's health. I had really big children a 8lb 15oz baby and a 9lb 3oz.

with my son I was up and walking in 3 weeks and with my daughter I couldn't move for about a month or more what I mean is I couldn't walk very far or climb stairs I was in a lot of pain.

good luck God Bless you and your baby
crjesq
2008-04-10 20:32:28 UTC
The difference with a planned c-section is that you'll have to have amniocentesis to make sure the baby's lungs are mature enough. It's no big deal, just uncomfortable, not painful. As far as the recovery time goes, I remember I left the hospital a day earlier, and even made it out to the mall the same day (it was December 23th and I wanted to get a picture with Santa with my two boys). Evidently, I was feeling much better the 2nd time around.
justpleasefindananswer
2008-04-10 20:34:33 UTC
You have a smart Dr. Relax, enjoy your pregnancy, look forward to not having 30 hours of labour.


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