C-Section QUestions

Hi,

I am going in on Monday for my scheduled c-section. I had a previous section, but it was under general anesthesia so I don't remember much. I remember the epidural and it wasn't a big deal. I remember going into the OR and laying down flat, and getting nauseous almost immediately. WHen I told the anesthesiologist, he put me under.

Here's my fear. When I lay down for ultrasounds for NST's, I have to have the bed pretty far upright or else I get lightheaded and nauseous, ready to pass out, within 3 minutes if I'm laying flat. The weight of the babies pressing on the vena cava is what does it.

When they bring me into the OR and make me lay flat - I'm worried that I'll start freaking out and vomiting and getting lightheaded because I'm laying flat. Has anyone had this experience? If so, what can the anesthesiologist do to make you more comfortable? I'm so worried about this part- I know it sounds silly, but seriously, I HATE that feeling of getting the cold sweats and nausea and finally seeing spots before I pass out.

Any advice?

thanks

 

I would ask if they can give you an anti anxiety medication for the nerves which may help some with the freaking out bit. As for the nausea, i'd also explain to them what happened last time with the nausea and then being put under and ask that they give you zofran in your IV or something to off set the nausea. The cold sweats and things like that you may not experience because while you are right that the babies pressing on the vena cava is what sets off the reaction (I'm getting it too) once you have a spinal done your body may not realize as quickly that it's having this issue. Also, they should be giving you oxygen during the procedure and you should be able to view the machine that has your vitals on it, the anesthesiologist when I had my first section told me that if I felt like I couldn't breathe or anything to look over at the number and I could see that I am and that helped a lot.

Good luck to you on Monday!!

 

The same thing happened to me when I laid flat during u/s and bpps but during my c it didn't happen. I think maybe adrenaline helped. I also asked for zofran as soon as they prepped me. I bet they would let you lay on your side if you start to feel it until they get started. I hate that feeling too. Hugs!

 

My anesthesiologist was awesome during my c-sections. I was pretty nervous never having had a c-section before. I was worried having my hands tied down, but he didn't do that. I was able to put one hand under my head, something about getting my head up as if I was getting ready to do a sit up helped relieve a lot of pressure for me and aloud me to breathe a little better. The anesthesiologist also gave me oxygen in the nose and rubbed my face, arms and upper chest with a cold wash cloth - that was what worked for me. I don't have any recommendation on anxiety meds - I try to avoid medication as much as possible because some just don't agree with me. Hope all goes smooth!

 

I was given meds in my IV for nausea. I wasn't sick, that was just routine. Maybe you could see if they will do the same for you.

 

Like the pp I was also given nausea meds. I did get light headed and felt sick quite a few times during my section, and each time they gave me something for the nausea

 

My Dr. also gave me meds in my IV as soon as I told him I was feeling sick which was within a couple minutes of laying down on the table. I don't know if it was nerves from never having a c section or what, but the relief was immediate as soon as I told him. I think, like you said, it came from being in a bad position (since I was laying flat and THAT was UNCOMFY).

 

wow - thanks to all you ladies for calming my fears. I will speak at length with my anesthesiologist tomorrow morning and cover all my bases. I'm excited and nervous....I just have to get through the surgery without freaking out!

Thanks ladies!

 

Best of luck to you tomorrow!! I hope everything goes smoothly for you and the babies!!

 

I too told my anaesthetist before we went into the OR and she gave me some anti-anxiety stuff and lord knows what else (because I get queasy very easily when simply getting blood drawn!) and I was so comfortable, had no nausea or anxiety and the whole thing was a breeze!