What Happens During a Scheduled C Section?
Congratulations – your bundle of joy is about to arrive! Having a C-Section can be a daunting event, especially if you’re a first time mom. In my experience, it was something I would not mind doing going through again.
Now everyone has their own perception, so please keep that in mind when preparing yourself for one of the most beautiful moments life has to offer; welcoming your baby into this world!
In my previous post, I described how I opted for a c-section due to complications caused by my brain aneurysm. I felt the risks outweighed the benefits of having a natural birth due to my medical issues. I am so glad I made the decision I did.
Yes, the recovery process was more difficult than it would have been if I went with a natural birth, but I still am so proud of what my body was able to accomplish and I have no regrets about my decision.
C Section Process
So let’s get to the point; what happens during a scheduled C-section? Step one is getting scheduled. Most hospitals will not schedule you very far out in advance. My hospital would not even put me on the schedule until I was at least 30 weeks (which they had to reschedule to an even earlier date due to my blood pressure, but that’s a post for another day!).
They will call you the day before to confirm instructions. My instructions were to not eat or drink 12 hours prior to the procedure, but I’ve heard others have been told it was ok to drink water.
I was also informed not to shave since they would ask me to rub a disinfectant into my skin that would cause burning when applied to freshly shaven skin. I was asked to arrive 2 hours to my scheduled procedure with my husband.
We arrived at the hospital at 6AM. The nurses escorted us into the room we would be living in for the next 3 days. They had me remove my clothing, rub my skin down with a disinfectant, and put on the standard hospital gown.
A nurse then came in and strapped a monitor onto my belly to monitor the babys heartrate. Shortly after, blood was collected and the surgeon performed a quick ultrasound to identify the positioning of my baby.
The anesthesiologist then met with me for a moment to inform me of the spinal block process and before I knew it, I was signing consent forms. I was taken into the surgical suite a few minutes later.
Sitting nervously on the cold surgical table, a nurse held my hand as the anesthesiologist placed the spinal block and asked me to quickly swing my legs over to lay down. A blue sheet was placed up at my chest so that I could not see what was going on below (thankfully).
As the anesthesiologist began to check in with me and the surgical team began to set up, my husband entered gowned for the surgery room. The doctor informed me he had already been pinching me and since I didn’t say anything about it, we were going to get started.
My husband and I made small talk as I felt some tugs in my stomach and within 5 minutes I heard a little peep. Was that my babies first cry? About 1 minute later, a nurse ran around holding my baby boy to show me, then asked my husband to follow her to cut the cord.
I heard my baby boy crying for the first time as they checked him and bundled him up in a blanket. He was then brought to me and in a whirlwind of emotions, I lied there in shock, thinking this may be a dream. I did not cry like most do, as it took me a minute to realize that I was now a mother. My entire life is about to change and I’m ready for all of it!
Please note that none of this is to be taken as medical advice. Refer to your doctor for any medical guidance as they are they ones who know your specific situation!