FTM- what should I expect?

Question

My c section is in a few weeks. Can anyone inform me on the procedure? What do they do before hand? Is there medication I can ask for ahead of time so I don't vomit? What will I feel? If anything at all.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Answer

I had one in October and the surgery was not that bad. I never had any drinks either. They shaved me, then gave me an iv, then gave my husband scrubs. Then I went to the OR, they had my husband wait and gave me a spinal, which, for me, instantly kicked in and I had to lay down in position. You can't move your legs (at least I couldn't) or feel them. Then they gave me a catheter (didn't hurt, just uncomfortable) to be honest, I can't remember when in the process that was done). Then they strapped my hands down and called my husband in. Then they started and it seemed like it took about fifteen minutes to get him out. I felt pressure, chills, and nausea (the nose oxygen cannula helped with nausea at first). My husband talked to me the whole time about how good it was going to be to meet our baby and all the things we would do together. This kept me distracted which was very important. Then they got him out and held him over the curtain, my husband called out and made a sound that I knew he was ok. Then I heard them suction him and then his crying. Once I knew he was out I was so relieved. They brought me the baby and kind of held him up to my face after they cleaned him up. Then they took him and my husband went with them. Then they close the incision and I felt so cold and nauseated and they put something (probably zofran?) in my iv and I instantly felt better. If you feel like you're going to puke, say something). Then they wheeled me into the recovery room and brought my baby shortly after. Getting up after is hard, but if you push through it (within reason) your recovery is faster. My advice is not to let your pain meds lapse. If it says every four hours, take it. Don't wait to feel the pain. I was so afraid I was going to rip out the staples from moving around but the nurses assured me that

Answer

I had an emergency c-section 4 weeks ago...after your IV and all that fun drawing blood stuff  they shave your bikini area and insert a catheter then you have to drink the acid drink.. They will put these cuffs around your legs that massage them to help keep blood flow while your body is numb. You then will be taken to the OR and you will then be givin your spinal. You will be layed down and depending on your doctor your arms may be tied down ( only one was tied down for me).. Your SO will then be aloud in and before you know it you will hear your little one:) after the baby is out they hold him/her up so you can see and they wrap the baby and put them up by your face.. My SO and baby were then escorted to the nursery to be cleaned up while I was being sewed up and brought to delivery. Honestly it was such an easy process. I did not vomit or feal nauseas but always inform the doctor and anastesiologist of how you feel it's very important! The anastesiologist will be sitting by your head with the hubby and he will have access to things if your feeling dizzy etc.. I hope this helped! Best advice that I could give is walk walk walk after the next day because recovery will be faster.And take the pain meds on time even if you aren't in  ain yet.. I took the pain meds for 4days and I was then fine but everyone is different.

Answer

For about a week an d a half after I got home, I was pretty helpless. I strongly suggest you arrange to have someone home with you at all times for at least 2 weeks. And pick someone you like because it was hard depending on someone. I had nerve pain that was pretty bad but went away after a few days. It felt like a stabbing/burning sensation, but it didn't last long. I suggest that you don't try and be a hero and not take your pain meds (like I did). They really helped dull the nerve pain. After the two weeks, my core muscles felt weak and it was still hard to bend over. Now at 7 weeks, I feel 99% better (still a little weakness after a long day). The area is still numb and occasion itches but no pain. If you get itchy (you can't scratch it, because it's kind of under your skin) lay on your belly or put a heavy pillow on it, the compression helps. Also, take your collace / gas x!  And drink water. I know it's different for everyone, but I hope this helps! The fear is really the worst part and the relief when it's all over is great. Good luck!

Answer

The shakes were the thing I didn't expect. Totally normal but weird when no one tells you

Answer

I had an emergency one so things will be different but I do remember when they were taking the baby out there was a lot of pressure in the chest which apparently is normal. the meds caused me to feel really cold and shake really bad too. I also started puking while I was still cut open and that was a weird experience lol

Answer

this is all from my experience alone; they do have you drink an acidic drink prior, both times I still ending up throwing up. they'll take you in and give you the spinal than lay you down bad strap your arms to the table. than insert the catheter and make sure you're numb. there is a lot of pressure and pulling. best of luck!

Answer

I actually don't remember a ton of it. I don't think I got sick. When they make you get up to start moving around after, do it. It's the best thing for you. I took a lot of pain medicine so I didn't feel much pain at all, but I swelled a lot in the days after in my legs and feet which made it hard to walk. Best thing to do is get back on your feet ASAP. You will do great! It's overwhelming but worth it in the end, be good to yourself and know it takes time to recover, both physically and emotionally. The two weeks after we're the hardest (more emotionally) so take whatever time you need and if it's too overwhelming to have people visit then do only what feels good. Slowly but surely you will feel better and more confident day by day.

Answer

tell your surgeon if you tend to vomit as you can get meds to help that. it hurts and it's hard to go to the toilet after the op. it is painful though I was up and about the same day. my best advice to you is while you are in hospital let the nurse tend to the baby and you rest. hormones crash aswell best of luck x

FTM- what should I expect?

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