Okay OB nurses All about a cesearean?

kmchugh · Jan 17, 2005

Couple of quick questions:

Why do you have to have a c-section?

What about the spinal (or epidural) anesthetic frightens you so much?

My hope is to allay your fears, particularly where the anesthetic is concerned.

Kevin McHugh, CRNA

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jan 17, 2005

This is a FAQ sheet from childbirth.org about C-sections

http://www.childbirth.org/section/CSFAQ.html#pro

xmaxiex · Jan 17, 2005

have to have a c-section because I have monsters that pose as babies ! LOL

My last child was delivered natural 11lbs4ozs and she suffered erbs palsy . I also hemmorahged and needed blood transfusions. My other children were around the 10lb mark and strangely I did not have gestational DM . I am apprehensive due to the location (spine) of needle! I have heard horror stories of complications after spinals , who knows if they are true ?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jan 17, 2005

Good grief, 10 pounds, coming out of THERE. And no drugs? OOOOOOOOOOOW!

allnurses Guide · Jan 17, 2005

I had a cesarean 3 1/2 year ago after 3 normal vag births.

The epidural did NOT hurt - it was heaven. No post-op problems either.

During the surgery, which was an emergency, I was only fearful that my son was born quickly and healthy. I felt no pain, nothing. It was easy on me. When I saw him and heard him cry I was so relieved and happy.

I will say that the anesthesiologist warned me that when the docs started to put me back together (he mentioned a particular part but I can't remember) I might feel nauseous. I did not feel that way at the time. About 5 minutes later I did. He gave me something for the nausea and I was better.

The bad thing was I did get hemabate and one side effect of that is fecal incontinence . . and that did happen to me in recovery and I was numb and didn't realize it - my nurse was so wonderful. I even sent a thank you to the hospital mentioning her in particular.

The recovery was tougher than the vag deliveries. I never realized how much you use your stomach - even clearing your throat uses abd muscles. I had great nurses again who helped me breastfeed - everything turned out great.

Ask for anti-gas meds . . . .once your bowels started rumbling it hurts. Simethicone was a Godsend, along with the pain meds.

Really, a healthy child was the goal. Everything else pales in comparison. And really and truly the epidural does not hurt.

Good luck.

steph

allnurses Guide · Jan 17, 2005

have to have a c-section because I have monsters that pose as babies ! LOL
My last child was delivered natural 11lbs4ozs and she suffered erbs palsy . I also hemmorahged and needed blood transfusions. My other children were around the 10lb mark and strangely I did not have gestational DM . I am apprehensive due to the location (spine) of needle! I have heard horror stories of complications after spinals , who knows if they are true ?

I have a good friend who is a CRNA and the horror stories are NOT true.

Helps us out here Kevin.

steph

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jan 17, 2005

Quite honestly, i've been in SEVERAL C-sections even though i just started in the O.R. in June, and i have never seen a bad result from spinals.

Our anesthesiologists have a group office, and they have at least two of the docs in the office, to do consults. My suggestion is to make an appointment to speak with one of the anesthesia docs. And until your appt. comes around, keep a notebook and add your questions to it and take that paper with you so that you won't forget to ask a question.

xmaxiex · Jan 17, 2005

Thanks Marie ! And yes it did hurt . When I walked in for my first OB appt the midwife took one look at me and said , "I cannot believe you had the bravery to get pregnant again !" lol . Bravery or stupidity , I ask myself ?

xmaxiex · Jan 17, 2005

Ohh gee thanks steph , fecal incontinence ? Just when I thought I had all my worries together and labeled leave it to another nurse to casually mention something like fecal incintinence !!!! :rotfl: Now I really can't wait ! Just kidding it helps to hear it from those that know , the textbook answers they give you to your questions don't seem to be helpful . You guys and gals are the greatest !

Marie, How long from start to finish do these things usually take ?

Steph , how far ahead of your due date do they schedule it?

P.S. If you ever see a thread on here in the summer about fecal incontinence stories You know from where they came !!!!!!! :imbar

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jan 17, 2005

Ohh gee thanks steph , fecal incontinence ? Just when I thought I had all my worries together and labeled leave it to another nurse to casually mention something like fecal incintinence !!!!

This happens with any procedure. Just remember, though, this is something that the staff has seen before, and nothing to be embarrased about (which is why we have a 10 inch stack of washclothes in the room).

Marie, How long from start to finish do these things usually take ?

The spinal i've seen take 15 minutes at the longest. C section 30 minutes-1 hour.

JaneyW · Jan 17, 2005

You will get there about two hours early. They will ask you a million questions, start your IV and shave you (usually a closed leg shave), and probably get a dose of Bicitra to neutralize your stomach acid. You will need a foley catheter--ask to get it after they give you the spinal! The spinal takes about 10 to 15 minutes and then they need to prep you, etc.

It is about 15 minutes from cut to baby out. You will get to see the baby. After the baby is out, it takes a lot longer to sew you back up--maybe a half hour or so. Some places recover their own C/S on the OB unit--ours sends the pts down to the recovery room for a couple of hours before they get to their postpartum room. TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDS!!! Make sure you get simethicone for the gas and walk walk walk as soon as you can. Good Luck!