I initially assumed that my upcoming elective C-section would be a soulless encounter with an anesthesiologist, my OB-GYN, and a deftly-handled scalpel. But I’m happy to report that there are ways we can maintain some level of control over our child’s birth.
First, an elective C-section is a far different experience from the emergency C-section I underwent with my second daughter. There is no panic or tachycardic fetus to be concerned about. “Everyone around you is calm, reassuring, and moving at a controlled or even relaxed pace. There is little or no tension in the room. It’s fun,” says Dr. Charles Lockwood, MD, the Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
I burst out laughing; “fun” was the last word I expected in relation to major abdominal surgery. But once it sank in, I found it an immensely comforting concept—it’s still a happy event. Everyone in the operating room will be looking forward to seeing that little baby, and I’ll be looking forward to personalizing my surgery.
Anesthesia
Instead of a “cranked-up” epidural, which is usually the choice during emergency C-sections, I can elect to have a spinal block. This would entail a one-time injection into the fluid around my spinal cord instead of a hollow needle remaining in the space between my spinal column and outer membrane of my spinal cord throughout the procedure.
The heavy epidural dose I endured during last year’s emergency C-section made my entire body shake, rattle, and tremor uncontrollably. My teeth chattered so hard that I lost one of my fillings, and it was a miserable state in which to meet my new baby. My hope is that my reaction to the spinal block will be less severe.
Next page: Post-surgery meds
Comments (15)
I’ve had two planned c-sections, and since I didn’t know what to expect, I was disappointed in my first experience. I wrote a “birth plan” for the second, and the experience was awesome. I think spinal blocks are a great way to go and had one with both surgeries. Totally with you on not wanting to see any part of the surgery.
that is stuped.. because you are poting your baby in riesk……..stuped mind..
Wow, not sure what is wrong with kari there, not everyone has a choice you know. I have to say thanks for the great article. I’ve been told if I ever have a baby it will have to be c-section because of the way my body is (unfortunate deformity) and I was so freaked out I thought I just wouldn’t have a baby. This article makes me feel better about the c-section prospects, as I have no choice in the matter.
Kari should go back to school to learn to spell . . .
Hi! I had an emergency c-section 2 years ago and am going in for a planned in a month. I remember shaking really bad to, but I wasn’t sure what it was from. Is a spinal block really better?
Hi Karen — I’ll let you guys know!
I have a friend who told me I can expect fewer of those unpleasant side effects with a spinal block, but I haven’t vetted that information with an anesthesiologist yet! Good luck with your C-section.
I had to have an C Section with my first daughter since her big ol head wouldnt fit (this was after I tried to push for 3 hours). This time around I have scheduled a C Section and I am looking forward to not being in labor for 26+ hours and everything else that comes along with it. This article gave me a better perspective about the epidural and the spinal block, for the spinal block sounds right for me. My epidural came out last time around and it was a nightmare..dont want to have to do that again.
Thanks for the insight!
Hey guys, good luck with your upcoming procedures. I’m so happy to report that the spinal block was LOADS better than the epidural. Not even a comparison. To me, it felt just warm, first down my right leg, then my left leg, then I could only feel vague pushing and pulling during the procedure itself. SO MUCH BETTER than that horrible epidural! I hope you have a similar experience.
Thank you so much for your informative information about elective c-sections. My doctor agrees that the risk for the baby is slightly lower for c-section deliveries than for vaginal deliveries. It really is too bad that there is so much ignorance about this perfectly valid choice. I appreciate your post! I am also leaning toward an elective and I have heard some really great feedback from people who have had them by choice. There is a big difference (as I understand) between the elective procedure and the emergency.
I have a separated pelvic bone, which happened at only 5 months. I’ve been in excruciating pain & can now barely walk (I’m 36 wks). I told my dr I want a csection & she said I was taking the easy way out. The reason I want a csection is I’m so afraid if I have natural birth it will damage my pelvis permanently. I dont think I’m taking the “easy” way out, I think it’s my body & I have a right to choose how to have my baby, especially if a csection means my pelvis will go back to normal after birth.
Yikes Kayla!! I would have a few choice words for her!! And I would also tell her that its your decision when its all said and done. You are the one that has to live with this body, not the doc. Do what you feel is right, even if they say its not!!
Hey! Do you know how I can find a doctor willing to schedule an elective CS? Is there an online network, or do I just call around?? I am considering this…and it just seems some doctors would push their own views on you
I am so glad that I found this sight. I am 30 years old and I have a 13 year old boy, a 2 1/2 year old girl and I am 34 weeks pregnant with my second girl. My last two pregnancies were vaginal but I am considering the elective c-section because I want to get my tubes tied. They won’t do it right away like they used to, I have to schedule it for 10-14 weeks after I have the baby. They will do it if I decide to have an elective C-section though. Not to mention that both of my previous labors were 24hrs+. Thank you all for your input, it was very helpful;}
I’m 38 weeks pregnant and Im considering an elective c-section but when i talk with my ob docs about it they seem to discourage me by stating all of the risk factors. No one really seems to be on my side about this decision and i believe it would be the best choice for me. any suggestions?
Listen to your doctors. You don’t know better than them despite what your readers digest tells you. They kind of had to complete over 8 years of education to get where they are.