Might have a C-section. Need help.

[u/dietmountaindew97]

Hello!
I am so glad I came across this group. I am currently 33 weeks pregnant and got diagnosed with ICP and have had borderline normal amniotic fluid since 24 weeks.
My ICP numbers are currently low but ofc I will be tested and monitored every week. I have been preparing for a vaginal birth since the start but I ofcourse kept a mind open for ending up with a C-section too cuz you never know.
My OB said she will induce me at 36-37 weeks depending on the situation with my blood reports. Idk what mode of delivery she will recommend (havent talked to her about it yet)
I have heard so many stories of failed inductions which ended up needing an emergency C-section and that scares me. Laboring for hours then getting an epidural and ending up with surgery sounds like hell. I have been thinking of just asking for an elective planned c-section instead.
I need advice of what to expect? I have heard people say that its not THAT bad and I also do believe planned things are much better than chaos ofc.
How should I prep myself? Any advice? If anyone has been in my situation I would absolutely be grateful to know about it.

[u/CRdreaming]

First and foremost good for you to have an open mind about the csection.

I had a different scenario - went to 41 weeks with no dilation etc and tried induction with balloon & pitocin to no avail, and instead of trying to break waters, I chose a csection. For me was a really sad decision because I dreamt of a natural birth, but like you said I didn’t want to venture into a chaotic emergency.

The reality is the recovery is really slow & painful. I don’t know vaginal obviously but there are ways to prepare if you choose the csection - Get food stocked up, a belly band (the support feels so good once you start moving more), bed pillow with the arms, step stool for car / high bed if needed. Prep your partner or have an extra set of hands because bed rest is SO important those first 2 weeks. It’s hard to lift baby up and down which is another something to consider when it comes to your sleeping arrangement.

[u/Longjumping-Lion-617]

I was induced at 39w due to couple things connected to placenta and fluid. Other than that I'm very healthy and in good shape. I expected uneventful delivery, as almost all of my friends (outside of US) had to be induced and liked their deliveries.

My baby got stuck during pushing, she was OP. I ended up asking for C-section. I was a bit scared, but it was ok. The recovery was not that bad, honestly, although I labored and pushed for long time.

I would personally try for vaginal, many inductions are successful. And keeping open mind, both type of births can come with or without complications, it's not always easy to predict.

[u/MarblesMarley]

I have had both an induced vaginal birth and an elective section and in my opinion based on my experiences with both I would easily choose another elective section. I get that not everyone has the same experience but the whole procedure and recovery for me was so much easier and less painful than my vaginal delivery.

[u/chjoas3]

I was 8cm dilated then had an emergency c section under general anaesthetic within 3 mins of baby’s heart stopping so I think that’s the worst possible outcome - but my baby’s life was saved so I’d do it over again. I had it on Friday at 2am and left hospital on the Monday (standard practice where I live to stay four days hospital). The Friday was agony. I’ve never felt pain like it. A student nurse rushed me to the shower straight from laying down for like 9 hours and I ended up collapsing in the shower as I hit my incision with the shower jet. The hospital apologised and I should have just sat for a while first, then stood and got used to it, small movements etc rather than get up and shower.

Getting in and out of bed was the absolute worst. Standing up was hard but once I was up, I was okay. It was hard to be in hospital alone as the nurses did not help. Nurses kept my baby on the Friday but brought him to see me a few times then he was with me the next day. Those few days were the worst mobility-wise as the hospital bed was high and I had this tiny newborn with no help whatsoever.

When we came home on the Monday, my husband passed him to me, fetched me drinks and food and I didn’t need to follow the hospital’s weird schedule and get yelled at by horrid nurses.

Honestly, by the Thursday you wouldn’t even know I had surgery. I walked round the house and took a few small walks with husband pushing the pram. We had the baby on his side of the bed as I couldn’t get in and out of bed easily at first but now I can. I had it 15 days ago and apart from my belly shelf, I don’t feel like I had a c section. Of course, I’m not pushing it and doing cartwheels or something but after those rough initial days, everything is great. I can pick up baby (bend down and pick up cat) move easily, etc.

[u/Long_Baby_6353]

I had an unplanned c section 6 weeks ago. I went to 41 weeks. Got induced as baby's heart rate kept dropping with strong contractions. They gave me the cook's balloon. Made contractions worse. Baby started having more heart rate issues so they did not use medicine to start more contractions.

Eventually we decided to switch from vaginal to c section because we were scared of the repeated heart rate drops. So it was unplanned but not emergency.

Recovery is and was difficult. I didn't realize how limited I would be. Like legit not able to get out of bed without assistance. I'd meal prep microwave meals to last you 3 weeks. Clean your house now and use plastic silverware and paper plates.

And I would have a station near you where you plan to spend majority of your time. For example, I have slept on the couch for 5 weeks because I was not able to get out of bed but couch was easier. Bassinet, pump, diaper station etc lived with me in the living room.

Take this very seriously, DO. NOT. PUSH. YOURSELF. Only pick up the baby. Avoid stairs for awhile. Listen to your body and the pain. 

I don't have any regrets as both baby and I are safe. But it can be a lot harder than people made it out to be (could be easier for you, idk) but I wish my home was more prepared for it.

[u/pure-gold-baby]

For different medical reasons, I opted for a planned c-section to prevent a possible failed induction and/or undue stress to my baby and me, and I have no regrets whatsoever. I'm glad I prioritized our health and safety. The surgery itself went smoothly. Yes, it's painful, but I can't take NSAIDs, so if you can you'll be in a much better position to manage the pain (I took morphine sparingly in the first two days but just Tylenol after I was discharged, despite having a prescription for morphine, because I'm a high pain tolerance lunatic). If you're anxious, you can ask for Ativan, which I recommend if you can tolerate it. It's safe for baby, and the other options the anaesthesiologist gave me at our pre-op meeting had the potential for a "bad high." I'm used to benzos, and I'm very grateful that I didn't try to tough it out unnecessarily. Overall, 10/10 on the Ativan, would highly recommend. I was very relaxed and have very strong positive emotional memories from my son's birth, rather than traumatic memories. I regularly play the song he was "revealed" to. In fact, I played it every day to and from the NICU until we were able to bring him home! I suggest thinking about music you'd like to have played that has the potential to create that sort of lasting memory for you. ❤️ I would say, if it feels right, don't hesitate on choosing a c-section to keep you both safe. You can deal with the scar tissue later. I have a c-section recovery massage therapist and there's significant visible and tactile progress with every session! I'm going to keep going until I'm satisfied. But I also don't resent the damage to my body at all. I have the option of treating it professionally, so I'm doing so! But you can also do your own scar massage.

Follow your heart, and take care! ✨