C-section Concerns

my first was a scheduled c-section, and it got a little infected afterward, and came open just a tiny bit too. but other then that it healed fine. and i was completely pain free about 2 weeks later (my pain level was about a 4 out of 10 at the worst) my second c-sec tho... it didnt get infected, but it bled alot more than my first did and i was doubled over in pain for almost 6 weeks, like 5 1/2 i think. my pain level with that was about a 12 out of 10. also, during my second pregnancy, the further along i got the more my incision would start aching.

Say what?! What do you mean the anesthesiologist wanted to go home and didn't take the time to do an epidural on you?! Sorry, but I thought these people had to do their job. Tell me what hospital this happened in so I will not have a baby by them. This just makes me mad!

Hi C.,
I too had an emergency C with my first (due to what they call "failure to progress.") I was overdue, induced and then in labor for a long time. I had complications after the birth (anaphylaxis-not a good experience) and then an infection with my incision. On the whole a very hard recovery. I felt like I could barely move for weeks. And my incision site bothered me for almost up to a year. I kept thinking something was wrong and returned to the doc a few times. Even had a post-partum ultrasound since I had swelling in one leg along with the abdominal pain. My 2nd time around my 1st OB visit was with a midwife (part of my OB/GYN's practice) who had about 30 years experience. She was pro-VBAC until she looked at my record for the 1st labor and recommended a 2nd C. Then when she gave my a physical she took one look at my hips and said, "you're having a 2nd C. It wouldn't be worth it for you to try VBAC." She pointed out that my pelvis is turned in or curved in a way that was the cause for the "failure to progress." So the 2nd time around they planned a C-section. I later found out that I was pregnant with twins. I was scheduled for a C-section at 38 weeks but went into labor a week earlier than the date, and they went ahead with the C at that time. TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES!!! The first was an emergency C, no one talked in the operating room, they had to revive the baby, I had to recover from both the labor and the C-section followed by anaphylaxis and the infection. The 2nd section was a total breeze. I was up and walking in a day. My body recovered so quickly. I too had a lot of fear because I had so many recovery issues the 1st time around. Talk about it with your doc. Your next delivery doesn't have to be so hard just because you had a bad experience with the first one. I hope this helps. Good luck to you.

Hi C.. My first advice is if you do not want to have a c-section again, I would strongly suggest you do research to see if you really can have a vaginal birth. Many doctors will say they cannot do it because it is their choice and it is easier for them. I have a few websites that I can give you if you want the info. I have had 2 c-sections myself and although I have never been infected I can tell you that my body responded differently the 2nd time around. I was a lot stronger the 2nd time around. I was going to have a VBAC but I had to have a c-section because my daughter was not in position and could not get into position because the placenta was in the way. For that I know a vaginal birth would definitely be out of the question. Otherwise my dr is a very VBAC friendly doctor and if you need her name and information I would be glad to pass it along because honestly there is no one like her. Even when she performs c-sections I can tell you firsthand she is a minimalist. She is also friendly and caring. I wish you well and hope you get blessed again. I also pray that no infection will happen to you again. I have got 2 blessings myself, a boy and a girl. I am so thankful to God for them.

I had an emergency Csection and almost died. I don't want to scare you because there is no need of it but sometimes infections occur in hospitals. Talk to your doctor and explain your concern and ask that all precautions are taken. After your baby is born and you are home and comfy, please email us and tell us all about it.

I am a mom of 2, expecting my 3rd. I have not personally had a cesarean to date, but I am a labor and delivery nurse and have worked with many patients who have experienced anyhwere from their first to their fourth. Unfortunately infection is a risk for any and all surgeries, and while it is a low risk, it is absolutely miserable when it does occur. If you were in labor for several hours, especially if your water was broke, can contribute to infection. I don't know if this is a possibility for you or not, especially not knowing the details. I am sorry your first experience wasn't a good one, but I wanted to reassure you in that I see these procedures performed several times a week without complication. Also remember that you can always get a second medical opinion about vaginal birth when you start planning for your second baby.

I would like to know the cause of your emergancy c-section. As a doula a Childbirth Educator, I have heard many of many women recieving C-sections just because. VBAC's can be extremely successfull and if your doctor is not willing to give you one, maybe you could start interviewing other care providers who will let your body do what it is intended to do. What state do you live in? I may be able to provide you with some referals.

I myself have a C-sections and have never had one get infected, so I really do not have any advice for that, sorry. I hope you find the information you are looking for and that God sends down a baby girl to you soon :)

S.

Hello,

I can tell you a story my sister has 4kids 2C-sections and two vaginal. First and fourth were c-sections and second and third were vaginal. She was fine for all of them the only difference was the induced her 2 wks early for the vaginal ones. I talked to her about your case she said just to talk to the doctor and tell themwhat you think about another c-section and you want to try vaginal or she said try to get a second opinion from another OB doctor. Good luck.

Hi i have had two c-section my first was because of a placenta previa my second was of placetal abruption.. they both came out fine my concern was how come you didnt look into talking to a lawer about youre first situation? man i don't blame you for being worried to have to go through another c-section. good communtication with youre doctor is a MUST! especially when it comes to cutting youre body and the sake of youre unborn child! This jerk whom blw you off cuz he wanted to go home should be held accountable for the stress you went through you poor thing... also it is good to look into the hospital and make sure you have all of those issues covered before chosing to move on.. Don't be afraid to ask alot alot alot of questions. Hey my mother had 5 C-sections with no vaginal deliveries crazy huh? Maybe inquiring about antibiotics
befor you give birth like amoxicillan may prevent you from getting an infection also making ure you keep youre body 100%healthy throughout you're pregnancy so ammune system can handle delivery.. A good support sysem whould be awesome as well.

C.,

First of all, the Anestesiologist sounds like a first rate jerk to me! Did he give you any pain relief at all, you poor thing? Ugh!

Second of all, I had an emergency C-sect with my first child due to a horribly complicated breech presentation. My doctor told me (back in 1991), that had I waited a bit longer between children, he might have let me have a VBAC birth the second time around, but there was only 10 months between C-sect and pregnancy. The second child was a girl : < D and was a planned C-Sect. I went on to have a third child...planned C-Section, but the doc said we weren't even going to discuss any other way (mainly because I have BIG babies, and she was 9 lbs). I had a boy the third time and had my tubes tied, mainly because my blood pressure kept dropping too low. He said I could've had a fourth but I wouldn't have been around to raise him/her.

However, I know a woman who had four C-sections, and all was well. So if your doctor clears you to have more C-sections, you should be ok. If you have a planned C-section, and check out your anestesiologist in advance this time, you should be fine. The infection was very likely a fluke brought on by his immature and irresponsible actions of "I wanna go home now". Remember, a planned C-section will have a time slot alloted to it, with everything planned out, including sanitation and a pre-chosen anestesiologist. OK, sweetie? Good luck...and make sure you wait a full year between pregnancies so your body can heal! You and your baby will both be healthier for it

Hugs, Kat

Hi C.,
I have had 3 c-sections. My second c-section got horribly infected. It was also an emergency c-section. I was trying for a VBAC and the baby's heartbeat dropped to 40. My last c-section was scheduled and all went well. No infection. I did have more pain with this last one but I also had my tubes tied and my doctor gave me a mini-tummy tuck all at the same time.

Now that you know what to look for, I think you will be fine if you have another c-section. :)
K.

C.,

I had an emergency c-section after 38 hours of labor, and will have another one again in June, as VBAC is not an option for me. I am currently 29 weeks pregnant with boy/girl fraternal twins...yet another reason to insist upon c-section. I didn't have an infection the first time, but, I can tell you that my room-mate did. What was done at that point, was antibiotic ointment and treatments were applied to the incision area. I wouldn't worry all that much about a re-occurrence, and if you are severely concerned, talk to your doctor about possible prevention techniques when you are pregnant again. And always keep in mind, if there is ever cause for concern, just pray and put it in God's hands to keep you safe and healthy after your baby arrives. Everything will be okay.

C.,
My sister had to have an emercency c-sect and her insision got infected also. It was bad enough that when she came home I had to go over a couple times a day to change the dressing. She did have another baby 3 years ago and had a section for that one also with no problems. She was worried about the same thing happining again and the dr put in drains to help keep any bacteria from getting into the isision