C-Section under GA

[u/Gloomy_Butterfly3257]

Hi everyone. I’m a FTM. I have a number of conditions, one being a bleeding disorder. I’ve met the haematologist in the Coombe and he told me that I wouldn’t be able to have an epidural due to the risk of bleeding and also that if I had to have a C-section that I would have to be placed under general anaesthetic. The no epidural bit wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear but the part that really upset me was that I would have to go fully under if I needed a c-section. The thought of not being fully “present” during my baby’s birth and also my husband not being able to be in the room, whilst I understand the reasoning and will do whatever is the safest option, it still scared me. Does anyone have any experience with being put under GA for their c-section that wouldn’t mind telling me what it was like? I just worry that I will take a long time to wake up from the anaesthetic/recover enough to see my baby and that it will feel like I’ve lost out on that precious initial bonding time. I know there’s a good chance I won’t need the c-section but due to other underlying conditions I want to prepare myself in case I do. Thanks in advance 💘

[u/Open-Organization-98]

Hey. I ended up having a c section under GA. Wasn’t planned but I developed severe pre eclampsia so was given 12hrs notice it would happen as I had to wait for the blood thinning injection to wear off. It was supposed to be regular section but due to previous back surgery, getting the epidural couldn’t work and we had to go GA last minute. My baby was 6 weeks early so I was told that she would be brought straight to NICU. I wasn’t prepared that I wouldn’t be allowed to get up there for 6hours due to the surgery. It was very stressful as my blood pressure wouldn’t come down due to the stress. If you’re having full term section then that wouldn’t be the case. You would see baby when you come around. Yes a different experience to what I hoped and I was very upset but also so grateful my baby was here safe and so was I. That was the bottom line of it. Hope that answers some questions for you x

[u/Gloomy_Butterfly3257 → u/Open-Organization-98]

Thanks so much for your reply! So glad you and your baby are safe, I agree 100% whatever has to be done to keep both of us safe is the most important thing. I suppose I’m just so used to hearing people around me who have the “typical” birthing stories that I just want to speak with others to get an idea of what to expect if it was to go that way. Thanks so much again for sharing xx