Recovery differences after elective and emergency c-section

[LouiseClare]

I had an emergency c-section with my son 3 years ago after I failed to progress (got to 9cms), I really wanted a natural birth this time but found out a couple of weeks ago the baby was breech. I have another appointment on Thursday to check the position of the baby, if she's still breech they want to discuss an elective c-section. I just wanted to know if there is a difference in the recovery/pain between an emergency and an elective c-section.

Thanks

 

[beachlover1]

I had an elective last time due to low placenta....amazing recovery and minimal pain. Cant see the scar 2 yrs on. Im having another in 5 weeks!! NOw i discussed a VBAC with my cons and MW...both have said and advised another elective due to the worst case scenario being an emergency C sec!! I think because its so rushed theres no time to be careful, have swabs taken, infection checks etc...the healing is slower apparently. My friends with the emergency c secs have all complained, my friends and me with electives....are going back for more!!!! ;-)

 

[JASMAK]

Two of my three sections were emerg....meaning I went into labour first. Of all three, my second was the easiest recovery... My first I hemorraged tho. My only non emerg one was my last and took the longest, but I was also much older - 35, than my first, which was the worst delivery - 27. So...here is the breakdown...

1st, emerg, 27 years old, hemmorage, 3 weeks to recover fully
2nd, emerg, 29 years old, general anesthetic, 2 weeks to recover fully
3rd, non emerg, 35 years, no complications, 6 weeks to recover fully

 

[miss cakes]

cant say it made a difference for me ive had two emergancy ones and one planned and i recovered quickly with all of them no problems whatsoever x

 

[x__amour]

I believe a ELCS would be exponentially easier to recover from than an EMCS. With my EMCS, everything was so rushed and roughed, my entire stomach was bruised for months and months.

 

[jd11]

Although i have only had 2 emerg csects with the second one i recovered faster. My SIL has had 5 csects with the last ones being elect. She told me she took ages to recover from her's i was up and about even driving before she would be up and walking properly. Everyone has different circumstances surrounding emerg csects doesn't mean doctors are rougher with them. Also everyone heals at different paces and have different pain thresholds. The benefit of having an elect over an emerg is the fact that you are going in before fully knowing what to expect you have had time to prepare yourself for the surgery. Having to have emergency one can be a really big shock to women especially if it is their first baby and if they are angry/upset with the fact they have had to have one it can also effect their healing process

 

[Liesje]

I think electives are easier, I had one and I'd go back for another. There was about 2 hours of prep beforehand so I imagine that makes a difference.
All of my elective CS friends also had no complaints, whereas my EMCS friends were all telling me I DON'T want a CS because they're so awful.

 

[biliboi2]

I was in agony after my emergency section the following days. Women in the beds next to me who had planned ones were jumping out of bed the next day where i could barely get to the toilet without hanging on to the walls for support!

 

[disney doll]

i had emcs and recovered very quickly x

 

[Mummythree]

I feel like cracking up when people say elective recovery is easier the recovery i had after my elective. its not its the same op and as sore.

I had stomach probs, nausea lost more than average blood, was sick for 7hours solid after and was dizzy due to blood loss and infections in my scar after mine so no it doesnt mean cos its not rushed its easier.

 

[Annie77]

A c-section is the same op whether it is emergency or elective. Incisions are made exactly the same - they don't make a worse job just cos they are in a hurry!

An emergency may be more tiring & take longer recovery for the following reasons;
- If you have had an extensive labour beforehand, your energy levels will be low and you will be more tired than someone who has had a full night sleep the night before an elective.
- Emergency section may be carried out due to abruption or other complications that result in heavy blood loss - low hb will make recovery longer.
- General anaesthesia can affect people differently and can result in longe recovery than an elective under spinal anaesthesia.

On the other hand, a lady having an elective due to her medical health (ie diabetes, heart problems, existing conditions) may have a slower recovery than a fit person who goes through 20hrs labour followed by an emergency section under general. It all just depends on the circumstances at the time and health of mum.

 

[Scally]

My last c section was an emergency one- and for me i am thinking the elective this time will be so much better. Last time my daughter was right down the birth canal and had to be shoved/pulled back up, resulting in injuries to her, alot more blood for me, a bigger cut, and bladder trauma. (plus the 14 hours of labour i had already) I am thinking the elective this time will hopefully be alot easier (i hope!) x

 

[Annie77]

My last c section was an emergency one- and for me i am thinking the elective this time will be so much better. Last time my daughter was right down the birth canal and had to be shoved/pulled back up, resulting in injuries to her, alot more blood for me, a bigger cut, and bladder trauma. (plus the 14 hours of labour i had already) I am thinking the elective this time will hopefully be alot easier (i hope!) x

My first was emergency due to known placenta previa - didn't have active labour before hand. It was at 2am and I literally got no sleep from 8am sat am to 11pm sun evening so it wasn't surprising I was shattered.

My 2nd section was elective - soooo much better and I was discharged within 48hrs as feeding was established straight away.
Good luck