C-sections explained

C-sections explained

About half of women who have a Caesarean section know that they will be having one in advance.

We explain why you might need a planned or ‘elective’ Caesarean and what happens.

Reasons for elective Caesarean include:

  • The baby is thought to be too big to go through the pelvis.
  • Placenta praevia. 
  • Severe pre-eclampsia.
  • Baby in an awkward position (such as breech or lying crosswise) and attempts to turn the baby have failed. 
  • Mother’s request (doctors can refuse this if there is no clinical complication). 
  • If the mother is HIV positive. 
  • Any other complication that may affect the mother’s or baby’s health.

Check your local hospital for its policy.  If you are booked in for an elective caesarean, you’ll know your baby’s birthday in advance. Usually you go into hospital the day of the operation.

What happens

On the day, you will have a drip put into your arm. A catheter (drainage tube) will be used to empty your bladder and the top centimetre of your pubic hair is shaved off. Monitors will be placed on your chest to record your heartbeat and you are likely to be given a spinal or epidural anaesthetic. Very few planned caesareans are now carried out under a general anaesthetic.

The birth of your baby is quite quick. A screen is put up so that you cannot see the actual operation taking place, but the baby is lifted up for you to see as soon as he or she is born. You may feel some tugging and pulling and hear odd sounds from the machinery used to suck out the fluid and seal the cut. Once the baby is born, the wound is stitched up – and this process can take a lot longer than the birth. The wound is closed with clips or a running stitch just below skin level.

Spinal and epidural – what’s the difference?

Both these are injections into your back, and both have a numbing effect. An epidural can be ‘topped up’ and last for many hours, but it does take 20 minutes or so to set up. When speed is needed – for instance, for an emergency caesarean section – a spinal can be used instead. This is a single injection that gives pain relief for about 30-60 minutes, depending on the dose.

Once a Caesarean...?

It used to be said that ‘once a caesarean always a caesarean’ but this is no longer so. VBAC stands for ‘vaginal birth after caesarean’. Many women who have a caesarean with one baby go on to have a vaginal birth the next time. It often depends on the reason for the caesarean last time. If your last baby was breech but this one is head down, then you would probably have a vaginal birth without a problem. You can have an epidural for pain relief and your labour will be carefully monitored. If you had a section last time, talk over the options with your midwife or doctor.

Breastfeeding after a Caesarean

If you have had a caesarean, you might need help with holding your baby for the first few feeds. Use a pillow on your tummy to cushion your wound and spread the weight of the baby. Try different feeding positions, such as tucking the baby under your arm in a ‘rugby ball’ position.

Life after a Caesarean
C-section recovery tips

 

Comments

Submitted by saidauk on Wed, 11/04/2012 - 23:21.
Hi Laura I'm sure we are allowed to have a choice for a c section now I had a section in oct 2003 but fell pregnant straight away and next baby was due in sept 2004 I was advised on both birth options and I chose the c section and I have had no problems recovered well then had a 3rd baby 2007 n was fine again n with my luck an unplanned pregnancy which I'm due in June no probs so far but hand on heart I'm not risking it and getting sterilised by the way all my sections were planned first baby was breech never been thru labour or pains xx
Submitted by laurenstimpy1234 on Mon, 19/03/2012 - 14:23.
hi all,was wondering if anyone could give me some advice.my son is 19 months old and was born by emergancy c section as he has 3 minutes to be born or he would have died.luckily not,i am 7 weeks pregnant and so scared of this happening all over again.can i opt in for a planned c section or will i have to face the horrible trauma over again?? thanks xxx
Submitted by kaacake on Thu, 24/11/2011 - 13:33.
Hi I am 31 weeks pregnant, was told I might have to have elective c section because I have a pacemaker, but my dr says I may do ok with natural. Had natural on second child but am scared of dying during childbirth even though am also scared of c sections! I am confused now!
Submitted by kellyedward on Tue, 08/11/2011 - 19:43.
hello to all, i am 31 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child which is a little girl, i have 2 boys oldest is riley who is 3 and euan-thomas the youngest who is 1, They were both delivered by c-section as i had a low lying placenta with both of them ! And this pregnancy i also have a low placenta so another c-section for me ! got to have a scan at 34 weeks to see if the placenta has attached to my old scar ! hopefully not ! im due on 13th january Bye x x x
Submitted by adnilleo on Fri, 28/10/2011 - 21:36.
Hi all,my daughter is 7 months old and i had energancy C-section,she was 14 days over due,was vomiting from any painkillers they gave me and after 24 hours and luck of dilating i was offered C-section.Now i am 7 weeks pregnant and really worried about another horrible experience.I am praying for C-section this time around again.Does anyone know if i can request it due to my horrific experience or they will try to persuede me to have vaginal birth? Many thanx.x
Submitted by MARYAM811 on Wed, 07/09/2011 - 12:33.
Hi im 31 wks pregnant & am having a planned c section. I have had 2 emergency caesareans before & a ventouse delivery! This was a totally unexpected pregnancy but very wanted. I am absolutely dreading childbirth & the recovery! :( any advice?
Submitted by 1fletch on Sun, 04/09/2011 - 14:15.
Hi Julia & shibbyA thanks for your posts on c section and complex spines! I also have scoliosis which was operated on 32 years ago at the age of 10! I was told then by my orthopeadic surgeon that birth by c section would be my only real option as my spine would not take the pressure - I had a 98 degree curve before surgery which was reduced to 50 something. I have a harrington rod through most of my spine but have space for a spinal block in my lumbar spine - an epidural will not work according to the aneastetist. Despite all this , my obstetric consultant had already made her mind up before she even saw me that she would NOT do a c section , I have been doing battle ever since my 20 week scan and will find out 8/11/11 if shes changed her mind and will perform my requested section. I have not gone in demanding c section but requested one on medical grounds and previous advice. This is my first baby and however excited we are about his arrival , its been horribly overshadowed by a non compliant dictatorial obstetrician and one of her midwives. If you feel you have a strong reason for c section dont let them make you feel you're a bad person, know your own body and its capabilities and stick with your decision!!
Submitted by juliakoval on Wed, 03/08/2011 - 12:22.
Hello ShibbyA, I also had a major surgery on my back nearly 6 years ago. I am 31 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby. With my first I had c-section because I was very scared that giving birth naturally will damage my back. I also thought that i will not be able to have spinal anaesthetic and will have to have general instead. I went to see surgeon that operated on my back to ask if i can have spinal block and where can it be injected into my spine. With all this i went to see anaesthesias. My first c-section went well and i had spinal block but because of my spine they had to inject me twice to make sure that anaesthetic will do its job properly. I was lain down on operating table with my head down, the can tip operating table so anaesthetic can slowly get through my entire spine to block my body from feeling pain. I have scoliosis which before surgery was 98 degrees curve and now it is about 40 degrees so ofcorse the anaesthetic did not block pain completely bemuse my spine is not strait and medison could not go through all the way, but believe me even though i felt a bit of pain when they pooled my baby out it was only for a few seconds and it was bearable. I will have elective section again, even though consultant tried to sagest to have VBAC, but it is your body and i know that my body and my back is not strong for me to try have baby naturally in the end of the day healthy baby is most important than anything for mother and you can have healthy baby both ways C-section or VBAC and to me it doesn’t make you bad mother if you don’t do it like everyone ells. Good luck to you and you baby i hope that my message will help you in any way.
Submitted by cassiebarrwood on Sun, 17/07/2011 - 20:20.
Hi am super nervous its my 3rd pregnancy and will be my 3rd c-section. am only 8 weeks pregnant and look at least 4 months gone already feel rediculous. Really dont want to be heavy during this pregnancy as having had 2 sections and 2 3 day labours i am looking forward to the idea of an elective section and want to make recovery as quick as poss.
Submitted by ShibbyA on Fri, 15/07/2011 - 12:13.
Hello, Just been reading over a lot of the posts and it sounds like a lot of you have had a dfficult time!!I'm 31 weeks pregnant, have had major spinal surgery (6 years ago) so I can't have any spinal injections. This means if I have a c-section it will have to be under general anesthetic. At the moment baby is breech so may have to have a planned c-section. This is my first baby, and because of my back I do worry that i'll have problems in labour (I don't want to dmamge my back). Even if the baby turns I'm in two minds as to whether I should ask for an elective c-section. Does anyone have any advice? I know it will be hard to not be "present" at the birth as I would be completetly knocked out, but at least if it's planned I can prepare for that. Whereas if I try naturally but it doen't go to plan I'll be knocked out anyway!Part of me hopes this baby won't turn so then I have no choice!!
Submitted by begorohemaa on Wed, 15/06/2011 - 02:01.
Ive had two previous c sections. My eldest was in 2003 with my son, failure to progress after 26/7 hours in labour and he he was back to back. My second, I opted for a VBAC and was fully supported in my decision. I was 9.5cm dilated after 13 hours of labour and suddenly my previous scar which was nearly 6 years old raptured! Am 33 weeks with our suprise 3rd but I will be a complete idiot to try another VBAC i think. I am grateful to be alive and hope all goes well with the csec. I dread the epidural (I still get spasms from it) but will try the spinal block this time round. Its been a real expereince - motherhood. Am looking forward to time of and for a smooth and safe delivery. Its always a difficult decision to make, this c section. Its interesting that after all these years we still have the stigma somewhat attached to it. Having a baby by c section does not make one less of a mother... you have physical wounds to show for it!!! Do what is best for you and your family is all I can say.
Submitted by RedRach1976 on Tue, 26/04/2011 - 15:17.
I have so far had two emergency Sections and like you I hated the experience I had first time around. I tried a VBAC second time but it wasn't to be. However, the experience was different, and though I was really disappointed not to have had a successful VBAC, i did have a beautiful and healthy baby to show for it. Now heading for my 3rd section (sadly here, although a friend has had a VBAC third time around after 2 sections previously, i know that it isn't for me as my pelvis is too small!). Know that what ever and how ever i feel about having a Section, i'll have a lovely babe to show for it.
Submitted by brownlj07 on Sat, 23/04/2011 - 19:40.
hi all. i am in 2 minds on what to do? i had my first baby on 2nd november 2009. I was in labour for 36 hours, joshs heart rate keep going down and he was banging his head on my pelvis, he was also back to back. I am due to have my second baby late this year and i have been told i have to meet a consultant to decide wether to have another c section? i hated my last c section, i couldnt mve for days and it got infected it was horrible!! i am in two minds on what to do? any advise would be much appreciated? xx
Submitted by heath74 on Wed, 30/03/2011 - 11:13.
Hello, my name is Esen. I had to have an emergency C-section in 2006 with my son, he too was 8 days late and had meconium aspiration too. He spent 3 weeks in intensive care and special care, as 3 failed ventouse attempts caused him severe damage to his head as he was stuck in the birth canal. They almost gave him brain damage. I would not recommend ventouse. Thankfully my little boy is now ok. I am currently 31 weeks pregnant and have decided on a planned C-section. I would have liked to have tried a natural birth, but the first time was too traumatic and I dont want to take any risks.
Submitted by lisamemum2b on Mon, 28/03/2011 - 13:38.
Hi there I'm Lisa, I already have 2 children both via c-section. My son was an emergency section in 2003 due to meconium aspiration at 8 days overdue, he was on life support for 7 days but thankfully he's alive and kicking and causing me much stress.lol and my daughter was elective as I was too scared of the same thing happening again, she was born at 38 weeks, with minor complications. I have been advised to have a 3rd section but im eager to try vbac. Has any1 been through this before? My scar still hasnt healed completely since my daughter was born in july 2010. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.xx
Submitted by penpen101 on Tue, 08/03/2011 - 21:57.
i had an emergency cesarian 28th jan as i wasn't progressing and baby's heart was distressed with every contraction. for me it was great, i was in labour for 4 days before, which was far worse than the cesarian. once the doctor decided a cesarian was needed the baby was out in 20 minutes. it was scary as you don't know what to expect, and the spinal block made me shake uncontrolably. but if i had another baby i would choose a section. i was stuck in bed for a day after, and moving was difficult for a couple of days, but i recovered surprisingly fast and that pain was nothing compared to the contractions.
Submitted by julepool on Tue, 08/03/2011 - 19:41.
Hi, i am having an elective c section. The consultant said one week before, ie 39 weeks is the minimum because they don't want you to go into labour before you get there! He offered me up to 38ish weeks. It seemed to me that it was quite flexible around the 38-39 weeks. I went for 39 weeks as it was the closest to the natural date. I think it might depend though on the reason for it, if you have something like pre-eclampsia then that can be a lot more urgent. good luck.
Submitted by cheesecaked on Tue, 01/03/2011 - 22:20.
I think I may need to have a planned c section (although I'd really rather have a natural birth). Is there a general rule for when they are performed? I've read on a very old forum it's about a week before your due date. Is this still the case?
Submitted by Titanicbump on Tue, 15/02/2011 - 13:01.
For any mums-to-be wanting a natural delivery after 2 c-sections - don't do it! On 30/12/10 two days after my due date I tried with my third baby and it nearly ended in disaster for us both. I did get to experience labour and contractions (something I didn't get to do in my first or second pregnancies - daughter was emergency c-section due to failure to progress and she was in distress, and my son was elective because of oblique lie). I got to fully dilated but within minutes everything went wrong. Rushed to theatre where my son was basically born dead as he'd been starved of oxygen. He was on neonatal for 7 days but thankfully he pulled through although we don't know what his long term health will be like without further tests and scans. As for me - well my scars ruptured badly (drs didn't even have to cut my uterus to get my son out!) and I could have bled to death. Yes, I knew the risks were high of my previous scars tearing, and yes the drs supported my decision for a natural birth and I was monitored during labour but nobody could have seen what was going to happen. So again mums-to-be - don't do it, have an elective section and save yourself the heartache, guilt and distress of what I put myself, my hubby, my kids and all my family of what I went and am still going through.
Submitted by kimlm on Tue, 07/12/2010 - 11:16.
I had a emergency c section with my son due to pre eclampsia and failure to progress in labour :( after my c section i was in alot of pain and struggling to feed, after a major operation I found out i had septecemia. I'm now c section all the way as contractions could be very dangerous to me due to having the same cut opened twice within 3 days! I'm now 16 weeks pregnant and already know that my baby will be born at 38 weeks via elective c section on the 9th of may at 830am! Awesome!
Submitted by tonkatasic on Mon, 08/11/2010 - 11:17.
in 1997 my beautiful daughter was born by emergancy c-section under g/a due to fetal distress as she had the cord wrapped round her face, i was induced @ 37weeks as i had pre eclampsia, now i am 35weeks with my 2nd child, during this pregnancy i have had high bp since my booking appointment! i have been to the vbac class @ my hospital and during the class thought vbac would b for me then to b told that chances are i wouldnt b able to due to my bp (what a waste of 1.5hrs!!) so now it looks as though i will b having another section, which i am fine with, as far as i am concerned as long as my little man is born safely thats all that matters!! so @ 37weeks i shall find out my sons birthday!!
Submitted by sars78 on Wed, 27/10/2010 - 12:17.
Hi, Iv'e had 2x emergency c-sections before both because of fetal distress an non-progression and have been told I have to have another one this time. I was wondering if anyone can advise me if you have a better recovery when its planned obviously not going through hrs of labour before should hopefully make a diffrence but do you feel better after the op? any advice would help thanks
Submitted by SamandMegan2010 on Fri, 08/10/2010 - 12:00.
Heya, I had an emergency c-section on 3rd July 2010. I was 2 weeks overdue and I had to be induced...baby Megan did not like the drip that was put on me to start my contractions and her heart rate kept dipping pretty bad so after 12 hours of hard labour and only getting to 6cm...they decided on c-section! I was petrified but everything went ok! Megan was born at 4.49am weighing 6lb 10.5oz! I really wanted a natural birth but what will be will be....maybe next time....good luck to all of you having c-sections...they aint that bad at all xxx
Submitted by sarah25randle on Mon, 04/10/2010 - 18:24.
hi im 35 weeks pregnant and have been told im more than likely to be having a c section as baby is est weight 61b6oz already, i have to go back in 2 weeks for a scan and to ser if its a definate c section, wass wondering if this has happened to anyone else and is baby really big already or is this average size?!
Submitted by Bumbleweed on Sat, 25/09/2010 - 01:38.
I had my second baby by planned section at 38 wks and was only told afterwards that my baby would have latching problems when breastfeeding,I also had didn't see anything in any articals warning us of this problem. I really wish i had been told of this problem before hand so i was prepared .
Submitted by myjoshua10 on Wed, 22/09/2010 - 16:24.
hi im hayley! im 31 weeks pregnant and have to have a c-section im rely scared but excited reading eveyones comments have made me feel better about xx
Submitted by baggaley21 on Wed, 22/09/2010 - 09:05.
hi i'm simone, my son is 9 months and i had an emergency c section after i went into labour at 33 weeks pregnant. my sons heartbeat deccelerated and i picked up a fever in labour. now planning my next baby and i can safely say i do not want a vbac. i was able to walk and cope with the discomfort after my c section within 12 hours, my baby bump disappeared almost overnight and after people telling me i was brave to have a c section i think natural labour is far more brave. i was bale to hold my baby and bond with him just as if i had had a normal birth, the hospital were very supportive. being told doctors are going to brake your waters at 33 weeks is terrifying, at least c sections are quick; within minutes my beautiful baby boy was born and seen to by the neonatal staff. elective c section will definately be at the top of my adgenda
Submitted by linzijane13 on Wed, 15/09/2010 - 17:08.
hi kiapie i to am expecting my 4th baby after 3 c-sections i am fighting to have a natural delivery this time as apparently there is no evidence on rupture of the old scar tissue i feel deprived of a natural birth and after my third c-section felt quite down about the whole thing
Submitted by megansmuumy on Wed, 08/09/2010 - 06:47.
Hi, I am expecting my 3rd baby in november and this will be my 3rd c section as my first was a emergency and second was a breech baby with low lying placenta, I was told the minute i was pregnant that i would be a c section of which i feel happy with. I would of been nice for something different but seeing as my first child could of died as she had the cord round neck twice and she was a big girl i am not going to take any risk's. My midwife and consultant have been fab so I feel confident with the decision. My only worry is being away from my children for 2-3 night. Good luck to everyone out there who is having a C-Section. Glad a site has brought up this subject !!
Submitted by Kiapie on Thu, 02/09/2010 - 14:04.
I have had 3 c-sections, 2 of which I felt I was bullied into. I am expecting my fourth baby and my midwife thinks its highly unlikely I will be allowed to try a vaginal delivery due to previous scarring. Can anybody relate to this or offer any advice please?
Submitted by niknaksmurf on Wed, 11/08/2010 - 12:09.
I'm 32 and had an elective c-section in 1999 with my first, they couldn't get the spinal in so had to be put under general, was crap!! One side of the cut came open, again crap!! With my second in 2003 wanted a vbac but at 34 weeks went into labour and she was breech so had to have an emergency c-section, crap but at least was awake!! The cut came open again apart from an inch in the middle.......me and c-sections def don't mix!!!! So i'm now 31 weeks with my third and i am having a vbac, hopefully!!!! Thankfully the doctor and midwife are very supportive and we all don't think i will go full term, just better be head down!!!! :-)
Submitted by Tesni75 on Mon, 02/08/2010 - 22:01.
Hi Lisa, i'm 31 weeks pregnant too, my son is just 12 months and had a c-section with him as his heart rate plummeted just as I was going to have an epidural. This time, i'm choosing to have a c-section as I know I would worry the same thing would happen again. Unfortunately because my son was so out of it when he was born, I didn't manage to breastfeed him, which is something I wouldn't want to happen again. I did wonder whether I am missing out on the whole experience of labour and giving birth, but as my husband pointed out "you have a golden ticket, take it"!. I can't see why any woman given the choice would choose to put herself through all the agony and possible risks of the same thing happening again. I recovered so well the last time that I have no worries about it at all. Also, with no panic of labour, having a date is just so much more organised! haha. Take care. X
Submitted by lisarcoks on Fri, 23/07/2010 - 11:14.
Hi Im 31 weeks pregnant and have another child who is 23 months old. I had to have a section with him as I had been in labour 29 hours and my heart rate and iron were dropping, also my son failed to progress as his head was tilting backwards in the birth canal, they have said thats it is my choice if i have a natural birth with this baby or an elective section but Im not sure which option I should go with as I have heard it will be better to have an elective as it is more planed?any ideas?xxx
Submitted by lauren125 on Tue, 20/07/2010 - 21:00.
i had to have an emergency section i wasnt prepared i had gone to hospital to be induced as i was 12 days late!! the clock was ticking by and nothing was happening the hrs passed and all of a sudden it all came at once. my baby was getting distressed so i had an epidural (which was fantastic) and they also gave me syntocin to help as my contractions werent lasting long enough but my baby didnt like that so my doctor said your have to have a ecs. me and my partner where in total shock as we werent prepared for it all. Anyway eventaully i had my baby boy who we called alfie 10hrs after first arriving. my iron levels had to dropped very low, I had lost 900ml blood so i had to have 2 transfusions in the night, my midwife nikki was fantastic she knew how i felt as she had a c-section for twins so she sympathised with me. i had to stay in hospital for 4 days as i was told i had an infection so me and alfie were both on anti biotics. he had to have treatment in special care unit so we had to go there 2/3 times aday for his iv antibiotics. it was hard work in getting back to normal but i had to remember that ive just had major stomach surgery so im still taking it slowly 3 months on. Now that ive experienced an ecs i would like to go natural for the next one. lots of things didnt go right but im here and so is my beautiful son
Submitted by lauralouisehannah on Sun, 18/07/2010 - 23:58.
I am 38 weeks and due to have a c section on the 26th July! I had an emergency c section with my son 5 years ago due to his head swelling in the last stages of labour. Im getting abit nervous now because I no what i have got to go through but at least this time around I won't be in labour for 24 hours and exhausted! im hopeing i will recover as quick as I did with my son, but im not looking forward to the hospital stay. So fingers cross everything goes ok :)
Submitted by Viickii0x on Fri, 18/06/2010 - 22:27.
is having a c section greater when you have twins?
Submitted by Bumbleweed on Fri, 11/06/2010 - 01:34.
I had an emergency c section with my son in 97. At first i decided i was going to have a vaginal birth with this baby but since i found i have the choice i have had lots of pains due to a heavy bump which has reminded me what my labour with my son was like and caused me to change my mind,though I am not too happy to read i will have to have an epidural again as the last one caused lots of back ache for years and found myself unable to carry my son when a toddler for more than 10 mins max and I have had bad backache this pregnancy as soon as i got a bump.
Submitted by ematay on Tue, 08/06/2010 - 23:09.
Hi there littlemissing i totally agree this is my 3rd pregnancy i had to normal deliveries before but they were bad i have been fighting with the midwifes since early on to get a section because i have spd this is the 3rd time i have had it so imagin the pain i am in n i think it wld b better for my body to have a section i am not saying it is easier but it cant b any worse than wat i have went through already and i was at the consultant and midwife today and the way they spoke to me was awful am going to write a very long letter of complaint to them it was terrible but i will not give up my fight. xx
Submitted by ishboseth on Tue, 08/06/2010 - 19:36.
THANKYOU FOR THE GOOD WORDS OF ADVICE I RECEVE FROM YOU YOU HAVE BEEN AN ENCOURAGEMENT AND MAKING MY PREGNACY MORE ENJOYABLE
Submitted by littlemissng on Tue, 18/05/2010 - 08:38.
I had a 'semi elective' c-section in April 2007, my son was breech but it had gone undetected until my hospital appt as he was late. The consultant was trying to convince me to let the Doc try & turn him but I refused as I'd been told it's a very painful, tricky procedure with low success rate. I was booked in the following morning to have an elective c-section, however I went into labour during the night so ended up having an emergency op. I'm now 6 months pregnant with my 2nd child & have researched birthing options as I'm classed as 'high risk'. I have decided I would like an elective c-section this time & I also have pelvic girdle pain which will compromise birthing positions. I'm under the Worcestershire hospital trust (was under Birmingham for last birth) & they are saying that as of April 1st 2010 anyone who has previously had a c-section is not entitled to another one!!! This is their latest cost cutting technique & I'm absolutely disgusted that I have to fight for something that everyone else is getting round the rest of the country. I'm seeing all these comments already posted about elective sections & I'm so upset at the fact that in order for me to get an elective section, I have to write to my local MP!!!!!!
Submitted by sansayie on Tue, 11/05/2010 - 08:06.
hi i am 25 i had a first emergency c section in 2006 due to severe preclampsia at 35 weeks then in 2009 i had to have another emergency c section as they said i was showing signs of preclampsia i am now pregnant with my third and last and been told it has to be a c section again but hoping for an elective one this time so i can carry full term and fingers crossed i am extremely nervous about my section though as last time when she put my spinal in i did not go num at first and she was telling me shed done it right it put me off completely and was worried the whole procedure now i am especially worried with this one
Submitted by susiesim on Wed, 12/05/2010 - 13:52.
Hi, I am 31 had my first baby as an emergency section in 2002 due to fetal distress and not progressing. I had an elective section in 2007 with my second baby and found that I recoverd quicker than before and the whole process was much calmer and safer. I am now due to have another elective section in august and feel much happier about it as I know what to expect.
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 13/04/2010 - 19:38.
Hi I am 35 years old and I had an emergency c-section in 2005 as my baby was large due to gestational diabetes I was in labour for 45 hours then they decided to have the c-section I had my second baby as an elective c-section as I did not want to go through that process again. I now am 30 weeks pregnant and they said to me I will have to have a c-section again as I have already had two not really looking forward to it as I felt sick last time with all the tugging and pulling.
Submitted by hayleyb0612 on Wed, 07/04/2010 - 15:21.
I have had 2 c sections, 1st one was an emergency at 42wks due to foetal distress,the cord was twice round her neck, so that was done under general anaesthetic in a hurry.13yrs ago. The 2nd caesarean,9yrs ago, i opted for, which was done under epidural at 38wks, and i was told that she also had her cord twice round her neck so may have probably ended up as an emergency c section too. Much preferred being awake for the 2nd caesarean,although it feels weird all the tugging about going on inside, was better to see her when born. I am now 30wks pregnant with my 3rd and due to have another c section in about 8 wks, was told no longer have a choice, must be c section. Not looking forward to the epidural, but will be worth it, i'm having a son this time :-)
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 07/04/2010 - 11:18.
I have had 2 c section, 1 emergency , he was 9,11. So it was decided to have the 2nd by c section, he was 8,6 2 wks early. 3rd baby and i have been told i have to have a c section. I'm more scared of having an epidural, as i was asleep with both the other 2. They have told me i must have an epidural, as they don't put you under any more.
Submitted by suzm70 on Tue, 06/04/2010 - 22:14.
hi i am 33+4 weeks and had a scan today due to gestional diabetes and my baby is breech has been for 12 weeks have a scan again at 36+4 to see if baby has turned if not have the baby turned by doc or planned c-section very scared as my first baby was natural. not sure what to do for the best any good advice out there...
Submitted by Gayleldavies on Wed, 31/03/2010 - 18:38.
I had an emergency c section in 2005 due to the labour not progessing. i was in labour for days. i have spoken to the doctor who says that i have a 60 % chance of having a normal birth but i am scared to have to go through that all again just to have to have a c section in the end. i am 25 weeks so still got time to decide but think it may be a c section i go for.
Submitted by bambi89 on Wed, 31/03/2010 - 13:58.
i had an emergency c section in 2007 with my son and im due 9th june and im 30 weeks, iv got a 34week scan to measure the head and to see if i will have to have another c section.. im really scared to go through it all again after everything that happened last time
Submitted by jomicky on Sun, 14/03/2010 - 03:01.
thanks for advice i had a casaren with my son and i,m 32 weeks pregnant with a high risk girl so was adviced to have another caesarean.help
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 24/03/2010 - 09:39.
Hi just seen this, i am in the same position as you. i had a emergency c-section in 2007 with my son, who was born with many disabilities, and now i am 31 wks with a girl, i am due to a c-section again, this time i am so scared. At least lastime was a rush, this time i have too much time to think about it. x