It’s important to ask all of your c section questions before it’s “go time” because let’s face it, every hospital and doctor are different. A c section birth, even when planned, can cause some anxiety in some moms so make sure to ask ALL of your questions so you know exactly what to expect!
When will the surgery be scheduled?
If it’s a planned c section, the surgery is usually during week 39 of pregnancy. This gives your baby the time he/she needs to grow and develop before birth and most times it’s early enough to prevent you from going into labor naturally beforehand.
What type of anesthesia will you receive?
There are three types of anesthesia: Epidural, spinal block or general anesthesia.
An epidural or spinal block are the two most common types and allow you to be awake during the c section but numb from your chest down to your feet so you don’t feel anything during surgery.
With general anesthesia, the mother is put to sleep and therefore not awake for the surgery.
Who will be allowed in the OR with you?
Most hospitals will allow you to have one support person in the operating room with you. Your husband can be with you while you’re prepped for surgery and will meet you in the OR once your anesthesia has been administered. They will sit with you by your head during surgery and are usually able to be with the baby once he/she is born.
What will the set up be like in the OR?
Every operating room will be slightly different, but in my experience, mine was very bright and there was a sheet up at the top of my wait so I couldn’t see what the doctor was doing. I’m very thankful for that.
There were also several nurses, my doctor and the anesthesiologist in the room. I was able to see my baby held up in the air seconds after delivery and watch him be tended to for the next few minutes. He was then wrapped up and my husband brought him over to me.
How long will the surgery take?
A c section is about 45 to 60 minutes on average. Your baby is usually delivered in the first 20 minutes followed by the removal of the placenta. The remainder of the time is spent stitching you back up, which usually takes the longest amount of time. Trust me when I say the c section goes by QUICK!
Can I hold my baby in the OR?
Depending on your hospital, the baby may or may not be able to be placed on your chest after delivery. It will also depend on how you feel in the moment.
Some moms (myself included) are a little numb and tingly in their arms and hands and therefore don’t feel comfortable holding the baby. It’s totally up to you in that situation! Thankfully you will be able to snuggle your baby as much as you want in the recovery room.
How long will you be in the hospital?
Usually a mother stays in the hospital for three to four days following a c section versus one to two nights for a vaginal birth. A c section is major surgery with a large incision and pain medicine so the nurses and doctor naturally need to check on the mother and her incision frequently.
Where will my scar be located?
A c section scar is usually a small, horizontal incision below your bikini line. The scar will fade over time and in many cases be barely visible years later.
What is the recovery like?
C section recovery is typically more intense than recovery from a vaginal birth. But that’s not to say vaginal birth recovery is a walk in the park.
But with a c section, you have a horizontal incision that is healing. As a result, you will initially have:
- A weight restriction (basically don’t lift anything heavier than your baby)
- Be on pain medicine for the first few days to a week or two
- Be more limited in how you sit, stand and move around initially
I’m not trying to scare you at all, trust me. I had a c section and truly believe it was meant to be to deliver my son. But I hope this blog post helps you feel generally more educated about c sections.
Use this post as a springboard to ask your doctor any and all c section questions you have. This is a time where literally no question is a silly question. Ask your little heart away!
Do you have any other specific questions for me? Drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to chat with you 🙂
Disclaimer: This post is based on my own personal experience; I am not a medical professional and this is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please consult with your health care provider when creating your birth plan.
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