how long does the cutting part of a c section take?

Question

when you have a C-section how long is the part where they actually cut into you and move everything around and take the baby out? I am considering asking if I can elect for general anesthesia because I have extremely, extremely high anxiety (I get uncontrollable shakes just going to the dentist since had had a painful experience once) ￼and can't imagine laying there knowing what's going on￼. I keep reading that C-sections take about an hour or so I think I've been imagining laying there feeling the tugging and pulling for an hour but how long do you actually lay there and feel all that going on? (the pressure/sensation- I know you're not supposed to feel pain)￼￼

Answer

I think it’s more of a start to finish hour. I think it takes more time to sew you back up than it does to cut you open and get baby out. And once you have baby there on your chest you won’t even notice what they’re doing behind the curtain anymore. You also are usually allowed a support person there with you (not sure if covid has rules changed at the moment). 
They’re more likely to just give you anti anxiety meds through your IV than to put you completely under. Anytime someone is under general anesthesia there’s greater risk for complications.

Answer

I have severe anxiety (on medication for it). My first labor was an induction at 41w3d that ended in an emergency c section where I had to be under general anesthesia. It was so traumatic and I felt very drugged up after waking up and barely remember meeting my daughter. It was a terrible experience and I would not elect general anesthesia unless it was absolutely medically necessary. 
My second was a planned c section at 39 weeks. I had severe anxiety my entire pregnancy about being awake for it because I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was a walk in the park compared to my first one! I walked into the OR at 7:40 am, my spinal was placed within 30 seconds and I set up and ready to go by 7:50 am. They started to cut at exactly 7:52 am and my daughter was born at 8:00 am. I was in recovery at 8:30 am exactly. After she was pulled out I started to shake uncontrollably due to the fluctuations in hormones and just my general anxiety. The anesthesiologist noticed it immediately and offered to give me a small dose of Ativan while they finished up my incision. It helped a ton and I was able to finish up in the OR without trouble. I would avoid general anesthesia at all costs!

Answer

My doctor literally has my babies out in like 10 mins from the time he cuts me lol. That part doesn't take long at all, it's really getting stitched up that takes the longest and by that point they've already taken my hubby and baby to the recovery room so I just lay on the table and take a nap haha. I'm having my 3rd C section this Friday and it really isn't as bad as you think it would be! The longer recovery time just sucks tbh. Just take deep breaths and once you hear your babies first cry it will all be worth it!!

Answer

My first didn’t take too long but my second one did because it took half an hour for them to cut through the scar tissue. Once the baby is delivered I always ask for Versed so I can sleep through the rest of it and wake up in recovery.

Answer

My c-section was 45 mins from start to finish. From when they started and took baby out it was 10-15mins it doesn’t take long. After that they wiped her down and they continued to put everything back together and see me up. Seeing you up is what takes so long I had stitches on the inside and was glued on the outside. I barely have a scar. My husband held her and I could have had her on my chest while they did everything but I got sick which happens  to anyone going through labor c-section or not. But I got to watch my husband awe at her and then when they finished they stripped her down and wrapped both of us out and into our room and I held her and I wouldn’t take anything back for it. The most uncomfortable thing about it was just the pressure of putting things where they should you don’t feel anything it’s just pressure. But I couldn’t wait to hear my baby cry, or see the drs hold her up and I see her for the first time. It was the best day of my life and afterward all I kept saying was “I’d do it a thousand times over” and I would.

how long does the cutting part of a c section take?

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