2Nd C-section

Updated on July 02, 2008
A.W. asks from Painesville, OH
10 answers

Hi Ladies,

I am ten weeks pregnant with my second baby. My son was delivered by an emergency C-section and my husband and I have decided after talking to our doctor that we will have another c-section and I was just curious to hear from anyone who has had multiple c-sections and how they the second one was compared to the first one.
Other a bkidd transfusion after my first C-section there were no complications and I was reasonably comfortable (probably thanks to drugs haha). Anyways I concerned about the pain this time and also having a toddler running around. Your stories and experience would help ease my mind. Thanks

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S.H.

answers from Columbus on

My second was much better. I think because it was scheduled, I was much less tired. It was really the way to go for me. Recovery was about the same, even with another one running around. Since I knew what to expect I think that helped. I knew what I could and couldn't do.

Good Luck!

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J.V.

answers from Kokomo on

Oh Alicia!!

Honey... it was SOOO much easier the second time. My first was also an emergency C-section. I was pre-eclamptic and he was in distress. I tried natural labor, we got a good ways in, then he would start to decelerate his heart rate when I would contract. After dropping his rate from 157 to 54, she finally decided to go c-section because she feared the cord was around his neck. After blood pressure meds, labor meds, an epidural, and meds to stop my labor. I nearly bled out on the table. My son had the cord around his neck not once... but 4 times! We made it through, but it was awful.

My second one... WALK IN THE PARK! It was scheduled, I knew what to expect. THey did a FABULOUS job with my spinal. THey were able to give me astromorph that lasted over 24 hours for pain control. If this says anything, the day after I delivered, I was up around my room picking things up because it was cluttered. With my first, I barely made it out of bed day 2. I believe the difference is that my body never actually went into labor, just surgery. The combo just wiped me before. My healing time was about a week before I was lifting my 2 year old. That was tough, but we found ways to snuggle in my lap sitting down. That worked out well.

Congratulations!! I am sure the second will be easier on you. Not to take away the fact it is still major surgery, but I think it might be easier for you since it will be scheduled. Best wishes!!

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A.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

If you're already set on a Cesarean birth, then I guess you can ignore this message as I've never had one.

I'm curious as to why you are wanting another one. Unless you had a vertical incision, you should be able to have a safe VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean). If you are worried about uterine rupture, there is less than a 1% chance of this happening.

If you are wanting to simply 'manage' the birth of your baby, this can be dangerous as well. Due dates are only estimates and can be off by several weeks. There have been babies born too soon by Cesarean because the due date was wrong.

I don't want you to think that I am bullying you or anything at all. Quite the contrary. I strongly believe in allowing a woman to birth in the way she feels is best for her. Though I am very much a natural birth advocate, I respect the wishes of others. I just wanted to put some things before you. If you want any more information, please feel free to contact me.

God bless,
A.

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A.W.

answers from Columbus on

I delivered all three of my children via c-section and I have to say I had no problems what so ever with any of them. I did take my pain meds a few times after coming home with the second and third but that was only becuase I was doing a lot more!!!!If I had a chance to do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing!!!

Some people will encourage you to have a vbac, but listen to what your dr says and decide on how your last delivery went and make your decision based on that. Don't let someone make you fell guilty for not trying a vbac. Some of us just are not maid to deliver a baby "naturally"!!!!

Hope this helps you a little and good luck!
A.

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K.B.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi Aleisha,
My second was much better than my first.
Mine was NOT an emergency c/s but it was after trying for 14 hrs, was exhausted, clueless and scared.
The second time around it was a breeze, still a bit nervous of the actual surgery but bonding time with my son was a million time better since I knew what to expect and felt quite comfortable.

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S.K.

answers from South Bend on

My 1st c-section was also a emergency c-section, I swear every thing that could go wrong went wrong. My 2nd c-section was planned and it was a breeze. Recovery was MUCH faster also. I made sure I had the doctor I wanted and a good anestheolgist. I got a spinal and the only discomfort I had was my baby was kind of bigger than they expected upon getting him out... they had alot of pressure on my heart but wasn't too bad at all. Felt like bad heartburn during the c-section but recovery went soo much faster. I actually was able to walk around the hospital and visit w/ coworkers (i work there too) the next day. Just make sure to keep up on the meds regularly afterwards (DONT GET BEHIND) you start feeling good and slack and then you are 2 steps behind on the pain. My son was 4 when my 2nd was born and my husband was unable to take off work.. I was home alone after 1 day home. My older son took some adjusting to not getting all the attention so tantrums were expected the 1st week, my dog kept escaping a hole in the fence so I kept having to go out in pj's and drag him back in ..lol but I have to say as far as the procedure.. I would def choose c-section for my 3rd

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M.L.

answers from Cincinnati on

i had a VBAC after having 2 c-sections. i don't want to try to talk you into having a vbac, but i have run into mamas who wish they would have known that it's not really dangerous to have a VBAC and that the risks of surgery are actually higher then the chance of uterine rupture...
so if you are interested in a vbac, you should check with Dr. dan Bowen... as he is very supportive.
if you still want a c-section that's fine, i just wanted to let you know that the option to VBAC is a real one.
i found that my recovery with my second c-section was similar to the first except that i had a 2 yr old to take care of at the same time. also my husband did have a week off of work, but by the time i was out of the hospital, he had to go back to work after that weekend:( so i didn't get much help.
with my VBAC i still had to take time to recover, but i didn't have to take the strong pain meds. my bottom had alittle tearing in it that was painful for about a week. my belly near my c-section scar is still numb 5 years after my last section. it gives me the willies (like finger nails on a chalk board) anytime my husband touches my belly with a LITE, tickly type of touch, or if i accidently do the same with my clothes.
M.

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J.F.

answers from Toledo on

I just had my 3rd C Section 6 weeks ago, and in my experience, it got easier each time. My first was an emergency after 27 hours of labor and a boat-load of complications. I had quite a bit of pain after that one, but I think part of it was because my body was so worn out from labor to begin with. My second one was planned, and went off without a hitch. My only complaint was having to have the catheter put in before the spinal, but that is my OB's rule and may not be the same for everyone. My third was a breeze as well. I was a little sick and couldn't keep anything down for about 36 hours, but other than that I was great. I actually didn't even need any oral pain meds until I was able to eat again. I refused to take them because I didn't really need them plus I was worried about taking them on an empty stomach. My only advice to you with your liitle one at home is to fill your Rx for you pain meds and TAKE them. You are not superwoman, and you will feel so much better if you take your meds as directed. If you feel better during the first couple of weeks, you are more likely to heal quicker.

Good luck and Congrats!

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J.N.

answers from Dayton on

My second was much better than my first. But if I knew then what I know now I would have done a vbac. With my second I used now morphine or any other drugs that alter your mind. The contractions after your second birth are alot worse though.

Good luck and Congrats!
jo

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K.T.

answers from Columbus on

When I was pregnant with my second I found out that my doctor's office did not give the option of VBAC the second time around. I decided I was okay with that and went ahead with a planned c-section (my first was a semi-emergency). The recovery was easier for me the second time around and I believe part of that was because I chose to stay in the hospital for one extra day to rest (had the baby on Tuesday morning and went home Saturday morning). My older daughter was home with Daddy and doing fine without me there. :)

Good luck to you!

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