Differences Between Emergency And Scheduled?

[LoveSanrio]

I had an EMCS last time, so it was a whirlwind. I had an epidural because I had been in labor for 24 hours already. I am trying to find out what to expect for a scheduled section. Would love to know the differences.

What happens when you get to the hospital? I have seen on some shows women being made to drink something before surgery? I'm not sure what it was, but they didn't look like it tasted real great. What is this drink, and what is it for?

Also, what can I expect after the section is over? Last time I was on a magnesium drip due to severely high bp. Because of that you have to stay on it for 24 hours after the birth, and stay in bed for that whole time. I really wanted to get up and have a shower, and I was VERY upset that they wouldn't let me. How long will I have to stay in bed if I am not on magnesium?

Any info you can give me about the differences, and what to expect from start to finish would be very helpful. Thanks!

 

[AvianasMommy]

I just had my second csection July 11th and it was completely different than my first.

I've had gestational diabetes both pregnancies and with my first I was induced at 38 weeks. I was in labor for 35 hours stalled at 3 cm. That recovery was horrific for me...

This time, I really wanted a VBAC. At 38 weeks I had a sweep but my weekly BPP showed low fluid so they sent me in for a csection rather than waiting for labor start naturally.

I went to the hospital and they gave me a gown and started my work up. They put me on the monitor to see how the baby was doing for a while. Since csection was only a possibility and unexpected at that point, I had to wait around a while because I had eaten. I think it was 6 hours after my last meal so I waited like 2 hours. The drink they give is antacid. I had it with my emergency csection but not this one. I did ask because I was expecting it but they said I didn't need it.

I walked myself into the OR and got prepped. I was nervous but it was a pretty relaxed atmosphere. They even played music.

After they were done, they wheeled me into recovery. I asked for the baby there to breastfeed right away. I was there for an hour so they could keep close watch and then they took me up to my room.

You only have to stay in bed until the pain meds they give you wear off (morpheme I think). Once that wears off (maybe 12 hours, can't remember) they will offer you other pain meds (Motrin and Percocet). It was closer to 24 hours before I got up. I waited for my new pain meds to kick in.

I can honestly say I was terrified of another csection and now having had a second *planned* one, the difference is amazing. I felt almost normal at 2 weeks post op as opposed to taking a month the first time.

My best advice is to take all the pains meds on a schedule. With my first, I tried to be tough and didn't take them on schedule. The pain was unbearable. This time, I took it all and walked as much as I could. It made such a positive difference. By my 2nd week I was only taking Motrin as needed. Having a planned section is just more relaxed and pleasant. Good luck hun!

 

[littlesteph]

thank you for creating this thread I was wondering what the difference was myself. I don't know yet if i'll have to have another section but having feeling that I might do as only had my little one 6 and half months ago by emcs.

 

[LoveSanrio]

I just had my second csection July 11th and it was completely different than my first.

I've had gestational diabetes both pregnancies and with my first I was induced at 38 weeks. I was in labor for 35 hours stalled at 3 cm. That recovery was horrific for me...

This time, I really wanted a VBAC. At 38 weeks I had a sweep but my weekly BPP showed low fluid so they sent me in for a csection rather than waiting for labor start naturally.

I went to the hospital and they gave me a gown and started my work up. They put me on the monitor to see how the baby was doing for a while. Since csection was only a possibility and unexpected at that point, I had to wait around a while because I had eaten. I think it was 6 hours after my last meal so I waited like 2 hours. The drink they give is antacid. I had it with my emergency csection but not this one. I did ask because I was expecting it but they said I didn't need it.

I walked myself into the OR and got prepped. I was nervous but it was a pretty relaxed atmosphere. They even played music.

After they were done, they wheeled me into recovery. I asked for the baby there to breastfeed right away. I was there for an hour so they could keep close watch and then they took me up to my room.

You only have to stay in bed until the pain meds they give you wear off (morpheme I think). Once that wears off (maybe 12 hours, can't remember) they will offer you other pain meds (Motrin and Percocet). It was closer to 24 hours before I got up. I waited for my new pain meds to kick in.

I can honestly say I was terrified of another csection and now having had a second *planned* one, the difference is amazing. I felt almost normal at 2 weeks post op as opposed to taking a month the first time.

My best advice is to take all the pains meds on a schedule. With my first, I tried to be tough and didn't take them on schedule. The pain was unbearable. This time, I took it all and walked as much as I could. It made such a positive difference. By my 2nd week I was only taking Motrin as needed. Having a planned section is just more relaxed and pleasant. Good luck hun!

Wasn't aware of the workup when going into the hospital. Will they do this the day of the section? I am guessing it is bloodwork, right? Do you know what it is they are looking for?

They didn't give me the antacid last time, so guessing they won't this time either. I am going to the same hospital.

I have to admit, I am pretty nervous about it all. This pregnancy has been a whirlwind. I wont make it to my scheduled date at 39 weeks. I just have too many complications... but my guess is I will end up like you and just get sent over one day, so not quite an emcs, but without notice. I hope I have an experience like yours!

 

[klsltsp]

My first section was an emergency, I didn't labour for quite as long as you but still about 15 hrs then section. I had preeclampsia and was actually kept in hospital for 6 days because my blood pressure wouldn't go down. My recovery was long and not easy, my incision got infected etc..

This last time I didn't get preeclampsia... thank goodness!! and the planned section was amazing, I was out playing street hockey with my 6 yr old 5 days after the section! the recovery was sooooo easy. I think partially because you're body is not exhausted from labouring for so long then go through surgery.

I hope yours is the same!!

Good luck.

Kim

 

[LoveSanrio]

Thanks Kim!

I can only hope my recovery goes as well as yours!! Thank goodness my DH gets a week off work to help out, but once he goes back it is just me against 5 little girls!

I am really trying to mentally prepare myself for what is going to happen. It is very nerve racking regardless as it is a major surgery. Just hoping to come out of it with a healthy baby girl. My husband is an amazing man, so I have no worry about getting the help I need after all is said and done. He was awesome after my last section... made all the bottles at night so I didn't have to get up, changed diapers, cooked, cleaned, you name it. Guess I will just have to let go of my fear and do what I need to do... not like I really have a choice LOL! Baby has to come out one way or another.

 

[AvianasMommy]

I just had my second csection July 11th and it was completely different than my first.

I've had gestational diabetes both pregnancies and with my first I was induced at 38 weeks. I was in labor for 35 hours stalled at 3 cm. That recovery was horrific for me...

This time, I really wanted a VBAC. At 38 weeks I had a sweep but my weekly BPP showed low fluid so they sent me in for a csection rather than waiting for labor start naturally.

I went to the hospital and they gave me a gown and started my work up. They put me on the monitor to see how the baby was doing for a while. Since csection was only a possibility and unexpected at that point, I had to wait around a while because I had eaten. I think it was 6 hours after my last meal so I waited like 2 hours. The drink they give is antacid. I had it with my emergency csection but not this one. I did ask because I was expecting it but they said I didn't need it.

I walked myself into the OR and got prepped. I was nervous but it was a pretty relaxed atmosphere. They even played music.

After they were done, they wheeled me into recovery. I asked for the baby there to breastfeed right away. I was there for an hour so they could keep close watch and then they took me up to my room.

You only have to stay in bed until the pain meds they give you wear off (morpheme I think). Once that wears off (maybe 12 hours, can't remember) they will offer you other pain meds (Motrin and Percocet). It was closer to 24 hours before I got up. I waited for my new pain meds to kick in.

I can honestly say I was terrified of another csection and now having had a second *planned* one, the difference is amazing. I felt almost normal at 2 weeks post op as opposed to taking a month the first time.

My best advice is to take all the pains meds on a schedule. With my first, I tried to be tough and didn't take them on schedule. The pain was unbearable. This time, I took it all and walked as much as I could. It made such a positive difference. By my 2nd week I was only taking Motrin as needed. Having a planned section is just more relaxed and pleasant. Good luck hun!

Wasn't aware of the workup when going into the hospital. Will they do this the day of the section? I am guessing it is bloodwork, right? Do you know what it is they are looking for?

They didn't give me the antacid last time, so guessing they won't this time either. I am going to the same hospital.

I have to admit, I am pretty nervous about it all. This pregnancy has been a whirlwind. I wont make it to my scheduled date at 39 weeks. I just have too many complications... but my guess is I will end up like you and just get sent over one day, so not quite an emcs, but without notice. I hope I have an experience like yours!

I had scheduled my csection date for 7/17 at 39 weeks because they didn't want me to go past because of gestational diabetes and I was on blood pressure meds too. I was supposed to go on 7/16 for pre admission testing though so if you're scheduled I would think you'll do that as opposed to when you actually get there. I'm not really sure what the blood work was for. Probably blood typing was part of it in case the need were to arise.

I was nervous too. I would be okay for days and then freak out thinking about leaving my daughter and husband behind if something were to happen to me. I was even more scared because it was all so sudden. I'm also pretty overweight so the risk of complications a bit higher. I was scared taking that walk to the OR. I was shaking while I sat on the table getting the spinal. It took everything in me not to cry. Especially when the nurse asked me if I was ok. I joked I changed my mind and was leaving lol. But it was really a pleasant experience overall and the spinal barely hurt at all. It was so much better than I could imagine. I had myself so worked up about a second section. It will be okay hun. Just remember to take your pain meds on schedule and get up and walk ASAP. Oh and another tip someone gave me was to walk backwards if you need to go upstairs. Doing that made it almost painless for me the first week . Best of luck! I'm sure you will do great!