Losing sleep anxious

I wanted to have a c section but my midwife and family talked me into having a vb. I ended up being induced because of pre-eclampsia and due to complications I had to have an emergency c section. So honestly I wish I had an elective and for my future kids I surely will go with that option.

I was going to have an elective c-section. My baby was breech, so I needed one anyway. I had discussed my mental health and anxiety about birth with my OB, and she had agreed that even if my baby turned, I would have a c-section. The thought of sitting at home waiting for labor to start and all of the variables of vaginal birth was something I couldn't mentally deal with. I had a great c-section experience, and even though recovery is different for everyone, I highly recommend it. I walked into the hospital with my bags and my husband, pain-free and feeling great. The surgery itself was smooth and fairly quick. Recovery was way easier than I was expecting, I was walking to the bathroom by myself a few hours after surgery, spent 2 nights at the hospital, when we got home I was going up and downstairs without issues and by day 5 I was going on walks with the baby. I stopped taking motrin and Tylenol on day 5 or 6. The only pain I had from day 1 was on the incision, and it wasn't terrible.

I chose an elective for no medical reasons other than health anxiety and had a great experience, it’s personal to everyone but it’s eased my anxiety as there was more certainty on what was going to happen and I preferred being more in control. My recovery was pretty quick and easy and birth and recovery were without complications so I will personally be choosing the same again for my second pregnancy

@Emily Timbrell that’s so reassuring Emily! Had you had health anxiety before your pregnancy? I’ve had it for about 10 years. I’m convinced I won’t be able to hack the pain and just can’t stop crying thinking about it 😢

Yes I’ve had health anxiety for most of my life, it’s never gone away for me sadly! It’s hard not to feel anxious about the unknown, have you had a birth choice discussion with your midwifery team yet? This is where you get all the info on different birthing options, benefits, risks etc. I found this helpful to digest and make an informed decision. My elective c section team were all fantastic particularly the anaesthetist as for me I was most nervous about the epidural and he put my mind totally at ease! Please don’t be scared of the pain, nothing about the procedure is painful, they will make sure you’re fully numb and it’s honestly so quick, you’re into the recovery room in no time. They will make sure you’re kept informed of what’s going on and constantly check in on you. Once the epidural wears off it is sore but they start you straight onto painkillers and then it’s just about managing discomfort for a couple of weeks and taking it as easy as you can.

I had so many concerns before mine and talked it through loads with my cousin who has had 3 and it was so helpful to know the details of what happens so I’d know what to expect and it was all very accurate to her description! Don’t forget that although you might be sore afterwards you’ll have your new baby to totally distract you. You’ll be busy learning how to feed, doing skin to skin and just working out the world of parenthood!

@Emily Timbrell thanks so much for the support lovely! I’ve got a midwife appointment on Monday and hoping I can discuss my options with them. You’ve made me feel abit less anxious x

No problem at all, this is what these forums are for! I wish you all the best!

I had an elective due to hypermobility, severe PGP and anxiety about needing an emergency section (family trauma reasons). It really helped with my anxiety as I could make sure everything was prepared and i had some semblence of control. However my waters broke 5 days before my planned section but they managed to fit me in as an "emergency that wasn't an emergency". My contractions had started but they were mild when I went into theatre. Recovery was sore but I tried to just get up and moving asap (listened to my body and didn't push myself too far) and I healed quickly. I was also home after 24 hours. I had to sleep propped up for about 2 weeks and couldn't lie on my side for about 3 weeks. After 5 days I walked to my parents which took about 10 mins (normally 5). Kept myself dosed on paracetamol/Ibuprofen which is all they gave me in hospital too. I'd probably have another planned tbh