Even when C sections are planned, there are things you just wouldn’t know about them unless you’ve gone through it. What to expect during a C section is exactly what we’re going to talk about today!
What to Expect During a C Section That Might Surprise You
Even with all the research and planning there are a few things about a c section that will surprise you. These are the things that no one talks about and you wouldn’t know about them unless you’ve been through it.
Learn what to expect during a C section so that there are no surprises!
1. Shot Glass of Bicitra
Before you go into your c section your nurse will likely give you a shot glass of Bicitra to drink. This super bitter tasting medication is not anti-nausea medication, but a stomach acid neutralizer, so that if you were to vomit during surgery and aspirate it into your lungs you would have a less of a risk of pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is caused by saliva, food or stomach acid leaking into the lungs.
You have the right to deny this if you wish.
2. Medication Given During the Operation
Spinal: A typical spinal contains a combination of an opioid and a local anesthetic. For me this was both Morphine and Fentanyl for pain, plus the anesthetic drugs.
Post Op Pain Killers: After the operation, and once the opioids are out of your system, your hospital will likely offer you an extra strength ibuprofen; mine was 800mg.
IV Antibiotics: Because the effects of antibiotics on a new born baby have to be considered, most hospitals will wait to give you IV antibiotics until just after the baby’s umbilical cord is clamped, but while you’re still on the operating table.
3. You’ll Have a Catheter for about 24 hrs
It makes sense when you think about it. You’re numb from the boobs down, so how could you go pee? Typically as soon as the spinal is administered and you’re laying down on the operating table it will be put in.
Even once you regain feeling in your legs and your nurses are making you walk around it’s nice to not have to worry about getting up and into the bathroom every time you have to pee.
4. Your First Pee, Post Catheter, Will Be Strange
If you’ve had a catheter before then this sensation will be nothing new to you. But if you’re like me and have never had a catheter, your first pee post catheter, will be a strange sensation. It will feel like you’ve forgotten how to pee.
5. You May Puke from the Anesthesia
If you’ve had anesthesia before then you’ll know if you’re a puker. I puked continuously after I had my tonsils out so I know I’d likely puke post c section too. And I was right. As soon as the operation was done and they started wheeling me out of the O.R. I puked.
But don’t worry, the nurses are prepared for this! The minute I said, I feel like I’m going to puke, they had the puke bag by my face and in the perfect position so that everything went right in the bag – no clean up needed.
God bless nurses.
6. Your Baby Will Be Out in Less Than 5 Minutes
From the minute I got my spinal, to the minute I saw my son, was less than five minutes. It’s seriously shocking how fast it happens. The longest part of the operation is stitching you back up. That part takes about 30 minutes.
7. They Can Usually Delay Cord Clamping
Depending on the reason for your c section, you’ll likely be able to delay cord clamping. Lot of hospitals consider it standard practice, even during c sections. So be sure to talk to your OB if this is something that you want to do.
8. You May Be Loopy and Sleepy
I blame this one on the meds because when you consider a moment as intense and exciting as a c section I can’t explain why all I wanted to do was close my eyes and sleep in the operating room. The urge was overwhelming. This out-of-it/sleepy feeling lasted for a few hours post operation. I remember the lactation consultant coming into my room and talking with me but I couldn’t get my eyes to focus on her or to stop going cross eyed. And I don’t even remember my Endo coming in and adjusting my pump settings for me – apparently I had a full blown conversation with her.
9. Belly Injection to Prevent Blood Clotting
This is one of those things I wish I had been more informed about because had I the opportunity to do research and ask questions about who is considered high risk for clotting and why, I likely would have not done these injections.
People with “diabetes” are considered high risk for blood clots. However, diabetes control, like most things, is not factored in. So does a well controlled woman with type 1 diabetes have the same risk of blood clotting as an uncontrolled woman with type 2 diabetes? My guess would be no.
Lots of women, my self included, are given Lovenox. For me, it was given twice in my belly while I was still in the hospital.
10. Skin Rash from Antiseptic
If your skin is even on the slightly sensitive side, be aware that you could get a rash (contact dermatitis) from the antiseptic they use on you during prep. It’s that orange/brown liquid they wipe on you before they inject the spinal and before they cut you open.
I had an orange/brown trail dripping from my incision, down the sides of my belly, and into… my butt crack. Yes, my butt crack got contact dermatitis from the antiseptic.
So if you have even slightly sensitive skin, make sure to wipe off the antiseptic post operation, especially in places where it pools, like your butt crack… juuuuuust incase.
More on C Sections
If you liked this post then you have to check out:
Labor & C Section Delivery Q&A
Can Women with T1D Have a Doula?
What to Expect During a C Section, Questions
Have any questions about C sections OR C sections with T1D and/or Hashimotos? I might be able to answer them! Let me know in the comments below.
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