c section for transverse lying baby- what can i expect?

[SarahSausage]

Hi, i will more than likely be having an elective c section as my baby is transverse and it scares the life out of me!! I have had 2 previous normal deliveries and a toddler at home. My husband works evenings & weekends also. I'm looking for any tips. How long will i be in hospital? Do i need anything extra in my bag? How to cope at home lifting my toddler into her cot, recovery, etc.

 

[LDC]

Hi there,I can't see where you're from so this will be from a UK perspective.

First off don't worry

I was in hospital for three days following the operation. I would personally find out of your OH can get time off to help you with your toddler or if family members can come round to help whilst he is at work. You'll be told not to lift, pull, twist or drive for 6 weeks (again uk perspective) and to not lift anything heavier than your baby - I'm Assuming this is because of the pressure that is put on your abdomen and the risk of tearing - so I personally would advise minimal lifting of your toddler, although I know ladies on here have "got on with it" because they've had to and I didn't have any other children so they may be able to go give you better advice.

My advice would be take it easy after the operation and when your in hospital and your visitors leave, make sure everything you need is next to you as bending and moving is hard. Also call the nurses to help - I felt like a wimp but I struggled the first night after the operation and that's what they're there for.

You don't need anything extra, I don't think anyway. Mine was an emcs so I'd packed for a vaginal birth and didnt need anything extra. Just make sure you have pads for the bleeding and cotton pants/nothing tight. I wore leggings and pj trouser bottoms after and was fine.

Maybe just take some chocolate!

I had a positive recovery from mine and within a couple of weeks after the pain had eased off, I had to remind myself not to do things but on days where I had done "too much" I could feel it. Just take your time and take things slowly

Xx

 

[katy1310]

Hi hun. I had a c section when Sophie was born because she was not only transverse but also born at 27 weeks - mine was an emergency section.

It's really not as scary as I expected. Here's what happened with mine:

They give you the spinal, which really doesn't hurt - I was totally shaking waiting for it but it was fine.

Then they check that you are completely numb - they were pinching me etc and I couldn't feel a thing.

They put the catheter in and shave a little bit down below just at the bikini line. I was also given an antacid tablet.

Then they do the section - it only takes a few minutes to get the baby out.

In your case, the next bit will be different but Sophie was whipped straight away to the neonatal team in an adjoining room where they worked on her and got her into an incubator etc.

It took I think around 45 minutes to stitch me up and I was taken to recover in High Dependency. I had a midwife give me one to one care for the rest of the afternoon but I don't know if that's because I was so ill myself or if that's normal.

The rest of that night, I just dozed and couldn't really move, and next morning I was given a bed bath (ick!) and then got out of bed to be taken in a wheelchair to see Sophie. I think a normal c-section though you'd be up and about earlier than that, they try to get you up asap, but I was one hour from organ failure with pre eclampsia so I think my case was a wee bit different.

They gave me plenty painkillers, and I wasn't really in any pain other than getting in and out of bed and when I started walking. It just feels like you've pulled all your tummy muscles REALLY badly!

I was up and allowed in the shower on the Tuesday morning (Sophie was born on the Sunday afternoon) and was able to walk around that day.

I was told to take the dressing off in the shower that morning, and the catheter was taken out that day as well.

I was in hospital for 6 days after my section but again I think that's because of my health issues.

I noticed a massive improvement in the pain after 3-4 days and felt absolutely fine after a week. The only thing was the first day we went back up to the hospital to visit Sophie after I was discharged (exactly a week after my section) I felt really dizzy and funny when we got there but I think I just did too much - getting home the night before which was an hour in the car, then up that morning and back up, another hour in the car.

It will all be absolutely fine, it was nothing like as bad as I expected, I promise. My friend had a planned section at the same hospital as me and she was only 2 nights in hospital.

Lifting your toddler in and out of her cot might be a bit tricky because you will need to watch that you don't overstretch or pull anything. They do advise not to lift anything heavier than your baby to start with - and no hoovering etc.

I can't think of anything extra that you will need to take with you - just really comfy joggy bottoms and definitely definitely some granny pants!! I didn't wear jeans for a few weeks - you don't want anything resting or rubbing on the scar.

Good luck

xxx