C-section next Wednesday - first baby, advice?

Question

I am having to be scheduled for a c-section (first pregnancy) due to my baby measuring at 10 pounds (39 weeks currently) and my doctor being concerned about complications (baby shoulders getting stuck, fetal distress, etc) due to my pelvis/canal being smaller/compromised. We both decided this would be the safest option for delivery. 
Any tips or advice to calm my nerves about having surgery? I’m mainly nervous about the recovery period afterwards.

Answer

A scheduled c section is very calm, not like an emergency one when you're in labour and honestly the recovery is not as bad as people think. Just follow your drs instructions and don't over-do it in the first few weeks after.

Answer

I've had 5 previous sections and due to have my 6th section in April 3 weeks early. I've had 3 emergency sections and 2 planned sections and I prefer the planned sections as there a lot more calm and not that scary as what an emergency section is. My next section is planned for when I'm 37 weeks. I had my 1st section because my pelvis was too small to have him naturally and his head wouldn't engage. It will be a bit sore afterwards but I found it to hurt less once I was up and about walking. I used a maternity pad as a cushion on my c section scar Afterwards which helped me a lot. It will hurt a bit when you laugh and cough but I held my maternity pillow there and that helped. I always took it slow getting up and sitting up in bed and I used my hands to push myself up the bed or to sit up and move around to get out of bed. They give you plenty of pain relief of you need it as well. Good luck and I hope all goes well xx

Answer

I agree with what one of the other moms said about a having a scheduled c-section is less hectic than an emergency one because I had a very long labor prior to my emergency c-section so by the time I was undergoing the operation I was out of it (shaky, tired, delirious and discouraged). Theres no pain during the operation (obviously) but once you’re in the recovery room and the numbing meds start to fade you’ll start to feel slight discomfort around your incision. My incision area felt really sore and I had a on and off burning sensation. I was dependent on pain killers for the first 24 hours because I couldn’t deal with the discomfort. It wasn’t painful but I just felt uncomfortable and it was quite annoying to feel that type of discomfort around the clock. The worse part is when the nurses had to press down on my incision to ensure there’s no blood clots. They did it twice within 24 hours. It’s impossible to lay down fully because you obviously use your abdomen to get up so I slept in an upright position for some time at home. Not the best sleeping position. As others said on here you’ll bleed a lot and it hurts to walk. Lastly, my incision area was numb for about 5-6 months after which was/ is normal. The recovery time for a c-section is definitely longer than a natural delivery so with that said just take it easy for the first few months.

Answer

Csections aren’t too bad. I’ve had two. Recovery is hard, but not as bad as I expected. Getting up and down hurts so much but you have to do it. Walk some every hour. Just don’t do too much too soon. Take all the pads from the hospital you can and the mesh undies. They’re nice to have for the first few days to week at home. The first poop is probably the worst part! Take stool softeners. Just do what the dr says and listen to your body.

Answer

Surprisingly recovery from a csection isnt as bad as you would think. I ended up with an emergency c section and my experience wasnt super positive but with yours being planned it should be a better experience. 
As for things i wish someone told me:
•you bleed... a lot... more than a vaginal delivery... so still pack depends and pads because the hospitals suck and youll leak everywhere. 
• It hurts to walk, cough and laugh for the first few days. Hold a pillow to your abdomen prior to coughing, sneezing or laughing. 
• Listen to the doctor and get up and walk around when its recommended. I didnt and passed huge clots. 
• take it easy... at home too. Easier said than done with a newborn, but its so necessary. Dont be afraid to ask for help. Its recommended to stay on one floor and avoid stairs. Listen to your body and only do what feels right. If it hurts, dont do it.

C-section next Wednesday - first baby, advice?

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