When I first went into labor at 35 weeks, I thought I was on the verge of meeting my little ones. After an overnight hospital stay, my contractions slowed, and I remained stuck at 4 centimeters. Two weeks later, despite feeling like I was about to give birth in the aisle of a store, I endured 12 exhausting hours of contractions. Ultimately, I found myself in the operating room for a C-section. Despite my prior research, several aspects of the experience took me by surprise.
1. Peeing Became a Challenge
After removing the catheter post-surgery, I naively expected to simply use the restroom when nature called. Six hours later, my bladder was uncomfortably full from the saline still in my system, and I had no urge to go. I had to endure another catheter insertion—definitely not pleasant. For the next 24 hours, I was monitored closely, with nurses encouraging me to try and pee, even using the sound of running water as a trick to stimulate the urge.
2. Getting Out of Bed Was Tougher Than Anticipated
The act of getting out of bed post-surgery was more difficult than I had imagined. I had to roll to my side, scoot forward, and use my arms to push myself up, almost tumbling forward in the process. If anyone helped me, they needed to refrain from pulling me up. I quickly learned just how much I relied on my core muscles!
3. Unquenchable Thirst
I was incredibly thirsty after the surgery, but they wouldn’t allow me to drink water due to potential complications. I persuaded a nurse to give me ice chips, which became my lifeline while my husband rested beside me. The moment I got actual water was pure bliss.
4. Shaking Was Intense
I had expected some shaking after the surgery, but I didn’t anticipate it being so severe. It started during the procedure and lasted for hours. All I could do was focus on my ice chips while my body trembled uncontrollably.
5. Lost Track of Medications
With so many different medications flowing into me, I struggled to keep track. I barely remembered what each injection was for, and my husband, who was more alert, confirmed the chaos surrounding my care. I had already abandoned my hopes for a natural birth long before this point.
6. Postpartum Potbelly
My postpartum belly surprised me. While part of it was due to carrying twins, I learned that gas can get trapped during surgery, contributing to the bulge. The incision also left some loose skin, making it hard to regain my pre-pregnancy firmness. I still looked like I was three months pregnant, and the comments about future babies were a bit overwhelming.
7. Drowsiness During Surgery
Even though I’m usually a light sleeper, I found myself incredibly drowsy in the operating room. Despite the bright lights and intense atmosphere, the urge to doze off was overwhelming after being awake for 48 hours and under medication.
8. Numbness in the Area
I was advised that numbness around the incision could last for a year or longer. I found it peculiar that when I touched that area, the sensations were so different compared to the rest of my body. This led to some odd moments of poking at the skin above my incision out of curiosity.
9. My Husband’s Traumatic Experience
My husband, unfortunately, witnessed more than he bargained for when he peered behind the curtain to see the medical team working. He saw the aftermath of my hemorrhaging and the enormity of my uterus post-twins. Thankfully, he managed to stay conscious.
10. Waiting for My Husband
Initially, my husband couldn’t join me in the operating room. I lay there, feeling half-numb and listening to the medical staff chat about their plans for Valentine’s Day while I awaited his arrival, craning my neck to catch a glimpse of him.
If you’re preparing for a C-section, don’t panic. The most challenging moments are temporary. You’ll regain your ability to walk, laugh, and even cough without discomfort. You’ll also have a unique scar, a brief encounter with pain relief, and, most importantly, a baby. For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this post about the at-home insemination kit and this informative article on ovulation. Additionally, for those considering IVF, this resource offers excellent information.
In summary, my C-section experience was full of unexpected challenges and surprises, but it ultimately led to the joy of welcoming my little ones into the world.