Scheduled C-Section

[Anonymous]

I'm having a scheduled c/s this week (for medical reasons I won't get into) so chances are I won't actually go into labor before the procedure. I'm wondering from those who have been in the same situation, how bad is getting the epidural if you're not in any pain beforehand? Does it hurt a lot? I have plenty of friends who have had epidurals but they've all been in labor first so they welcomed the epidural and said it didn't hurt, relative to the contractions.
I'm just nervous about the whole thing because it seems weird to have this all done without being in labor. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I had a vaginal with an epi with #1 and a scheduled c-section with #2 and I really didn't feel a difference with pain. In fact, it really wasn' t painful. It is over very quickly --- they stick you, and then they lay you down. The anxiety leading up to it was way worse than the actual pinch.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I was (and am) in the same boat. I had an emergency c-section with the first and a scheduled C with the 2nd. For the first, I requested the epidural because of contractions, etc., and before the second (which I knew would be scheduled C), I kept saying "I want to be in pain before i get the epidural!" No one understood me, but I think it's totally rational. What is weird is walking into a hospital, not in labor, not in any discomfort, and getting the epidural. Of course I did it, and it's not a big deal, but the anticipation is what gets you. And I'm doing it one last time. And I still don't like the idea.

[Anonymous]

I had an unscheduled c-section for my first baby last week for health reasons as well, and to be perfectly honest I was very afraid but I didn't even feel the needle. If it's the same thing, it's literally the size of a filament; you sit perpendicular on the operating table facing one of the nursing staff who gives you a pillow to hug and holds you so you don't fall off. The anestesiologist (sp?) then looks for a good spot on your spine, gives you a 1-2-3 and in it goes. It takes about 5 seconds for it to hit your legs and they lay you down, get you positioned, etc. But to answer your question, no, I don't think it hurt at all. I had the injection a little higher in my spine due to back surgery years ago so I had more coverage of my lower body which probably helped. YMMV but I hope this helps alleviate some of your fears. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

For a scheduled c section they almost always do a spinal instead. I had one and it didn't hurt and it's over very quickly because it's just a shot. Plus the anesthesiologist told me he was giving me 18 hours of morphine which was great - pretty much no pain until the next morning (my C was at 8 am).

[Anonymous]

I had a scheduled c-section and I don't even remember what they gave me. It didn't hurt though-- I've also heard that the new way of healing the cut minimizes scarring etc. A vast improvement over mine (bikini--but with pretty scary looking staples!). I will most likely have a c-section on my current pregnancy and as it has been many years since last, am looking forward to getting the full scoop. Perhaps your doctor should walk you through a little?

[Anonymous]

It definitely did not hurt - really no more painful than getting blood drawn. All in all, a scheduled C-section is not too bad. The whole thing goes pretty quickly too - for me, it was about an hour from the time they wheeled me into the OR until the time I was back in the recovery room -- including the time to get the epidural and the procedure itself. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I have had TWO C's that were planned...shot is nothing!

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I had a scheduled c section. They gave me a numbing shot before the epidural but it didn't totally work. Even so, it was a pretty mild discomfort. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP here--thank you so much everyone! This has helped alleviate my fears (at least somewhat). My doc did walk me through it, as did some of the nurses, but I feel like they always tell you it's not going to hurt (what are they going to say?)--better to get some real life examples!
I realize this is probably the least of my worries but it's got me freaked out somehow and it's hard not to just be excited about the baby. Part of me just thinks it would be easier to go into labor and not have all this anticipation!
Anyway, I appreciate all the encouraging comments. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I was in labor for my only epidural (so yes, welcomed a little epidural pain to obtain relief from labor pains) but have to point out that at least you don't have to worry about contracting while getting the epidural. Because that SUCKED!!!!!!!!!!