Caesarean - did you have one?

[jm_jazzy]

Hi all,

I am at 27 weeks yippeee!!!! And so far so good. But the doctor has just told me to prepare myself, that it is highly likely I will have to have a planned C-section by 38 weeks.

I am booked in for the usual array of scans to monitor growth and blood test are now every 3 weeks. But I was hoping to have a normal delivery. So, just wanted to know what you have all experienced. I still am hoping not to go through an op but do want what is best for the little one (and me).

Your expereinecs are a great source of assistance. I am currently on 10mcg of pred and taking 1 plaq a day.
Can't remember the dose. Brain fog we should have a smiley for that.

Thanks.

Bye for now.

Jodie

[pnutts]

Hi Jodi,
I have had two natural births both while being on Lovenox and plaq, and prednisone. Not sure why they wouldn't let you try natural. I guess ask your ob that? Could be the baby too big, or your small framed. Many reasons I'm sure.
C-section is not a bad thing by any means. Look at it this way. You'll know exactly when your little one is coming and make better plans then those that have to wait it out. You can tell anyone who may be from out of town when to plan to visit. Also your partner or your mother or a friend can plan to take time off to help you out.

I was induced with both of mine too. Which also let me plan ahead. It was nice.

Good luck on the rest of your pg.

Cath

[confused1]

Hi, I didn't have lupus when I gave birth to my first son 19 years ago. I think. But I had major complications and at 29 weeks was put to bed for four weeks. When that happened, I was told the birth would be C-section. He was delivered at 33 weeks and spent 4 weeks in NICU. He didn't have any suck when he was born (product of the complication I suffered) and had other issues.

Fast forward 19 years. He's a freshman in college, 6'2" or so tall, handsome (I think anyway), smart and keeps his dormroom like a pigsty.

The way he was born made no difference (had his little brother vaginally two years later). The first few months all I did was worry, worry, worry. But that's sort of the lot of first time moms anyway.

Rest, relax, joyfully anticipate the arrival of your little Boss. And if you want to do something that really helps your physical condition after the birth -- start drinking prune juice now so you're used to the taste and double or triple the "dose" as soon as the birth happens. Going potty becomes a bit uncomfortable and difficult after any birthing and the more you can do to help yourself get regular again in a gentle way, then the better off you'll be.

Good luck!
Sunny

[Regina]

Hi Jodie

I had a section with my little boy now five. At first I felt really panicky about it but mine was an emergency and I kind of just got on with it. My son was born at 28 weeks and is now absolutely fine. As for the section, mm, I would not say it was pleasant but there was absolutely no pain involved in the process, just could tell they were doing something to me as it was a funny sensation and I felt a little like I was rocking (a bit sea sick) I was awake for the whole thing but numb from the neck down. Once the baby is born which takes about five minutes, the rest of the time is spent stitching you back up by which point you are not that bothered anyway because you have your baby.

The aftermath is a bit difficult for me to comment on as mine was a premature baby and so they have to cut deeper because the bottom part of the womb was not extended as it should have been. You realise how many muscles you use to sit up, laugh etc and you feel quite sore but you do heal quickly and to be quite honest I would have another ten by section rather than go into labour. I wish you the best of luck and you will soon realise that the birth is the least of your worries, wait for the sleepless nights and the nappies, thats where the fun really starts.

Good luck Jodie and dont be worried it will be fine.

Love Gina style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif

[Lily]

Hi Jodie style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Wow 27 weeks has gone fast, well maybe not for you hehe style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

I had my two vaginally, so cant comment on the differences. Of course they didnt know I had Lupus then, well if they'd looked hard enough they would have realised it with my second child. I'm glad your pregnancy is going well, my first one was great, very tired moreso than my peers but fine. Second was a different story but I wasnt on any meds then either so that probably would have made a world of difference during and after.

How do you get 10mcg of Pred? Did you mean mg's ? The Plaquenil would be 200mg if you are only taking one tablet.

Good luck and how exciting style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/woohoo.gif

love
Lily

[sweet T]

had both of mine by c-section and had absolutely no problems with the healing process afterwards, to me and it's obviously controversial on both sides of the fence, but if I had to do it all over again and had the choice, I'd choose the section over vbac or vaginal.

[songbird]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jm_jazzy @ Mar 15 2006, 11:19 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Hi all,

I am at 27 weeks yippeee!!!! And so far so good. But the doctor has just told me to prepare myself, that it is highly likely I will have to have a planned C-section by 38 weeks.

I am booked in for the usual array of scans to monitor growth and blood test are now every 3 weeks. But I was hoping to have a normal delivery. So, just wanted to know what you have all experienced. I still am hoping not to go through an op but do want what is best for the little one (and me).

Your expereinecs are a great source of assistance. I am currently on 10mcg of pred and taking 1 plaq a day.
Can't remember the dose. Brain fog we should have a smiley for that.

Thanks.

Bye for now.

Jodie
[/b][/quote]

I had a Caesarian with my son, less than 2 weeks ago. We induced my labor after an amniocentesis. I think the doctors did this as a way of being able to observe what lupus might make a risky labor. They also told me that they wanted to take the baby before lupus presented any (more) complications. (I'd had a mild flare at about 34 weeks. I know, "mild flare" seems like a contradiction, but it really wasn't as bad as it could have been.)
My labor didn't progress well as we started from no dialation or effacement, but I think they still would have let me try for a vaginal delivery if baby Paul had not gone into distress. I had an emergency c-section, in which doctors discovered the cord wrapped tightly around my son's neck.

Recovering from a c-section in the hospital was no picnic, but the nurses were quick to offer pain meds which really helped. If you go this route, my advice is don't be shy about asking for meds, and don't wait until you can't stand it to ask. Meds don't play catch up well. Now, at about 10 days later, I only take the pain meds they sent me home with about once a day. I wanted to breastfeed (though that's not going well), so don't let a similar desire stop you-there are safe meds you can take.

I wanted the experience of a vaginal delivery as this will be my only child (too risky otherwise), but the c-section saved my son's life so I am in no position to complain. (I will mention that I had an epidural-was awake for the procedure despite my APS which might have prevented the epi. There was a lot of pressure and some confusion--what the heck were they doing, I thought?--but no pain.)

I hope this helps you come to an informed decision.

Songbird

[jm_jazzy]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences. It does help to know.

I have been feeling great up until this week with a flare starting to appear. Hopefully it will go away, I have my fingers and toes crossed.

I was very interested to hear that Sunny and Gina had earlier than expected deliveries and despite the initial concerns everything turned out fine. Cath planning the impending arrival will be a help hubby is away OS in NYC. Won't be back until end of April. So hopefully the little one can stay away until after then.

Prune juice style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/scaredy.gif ick! Might have to try eating some prunes first maybe. Don't wish to be blocked up but then again that hasn't really been an issue for me. Just the opposite in fact.

Songbird I am very glad everything turned out well for you and Paul. And I will be taking pain meds if offered. Believe me.

Lily yes it is 10mg. i.e 2 small tablets. It was only supposed to be temporary whilst the plaquenil started working but I fooled them all and got pregnant. Ha! I told them that the reasons I couldn't was becuase of my immune system. Now they actually believe I am right! So the doctors don't wish to jeopardise the baby by taking me off them.

I am starting to worry now I guess it is geeting closer and it all seems so medical. Don't think I would want to be awake though. Not sure if I like the thought of 'knowing' they are cutting me up behind the sheet and they will have to do some hard talking to get me to agree to an epidural. I don't like the thought of things in my spine refused a lumbar puncture for the same reaons. Guess I will see how it goes. Anyway I will leave it to the experts. I am paying them enough money to make sure it is all fine.

Bye for now.

Jodie style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

[carla1962]

Hi Jodie, CONGRATS !!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hyper.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hyper.gif
I didn't have Lupus when I was PG, as far as I know,Still don't know for sure now..
But with my first, I started hemoraging about the 5th month and was "sentenced" to bed rest..which I knew it was for my baby,but it still wasn't easy..at about 7 1/2 I went into labor.My husband took me to the hospital and they did everything they could to stop contractions, which finally they did stop..Then I was due on Aug.25th. My due date came and went,the doctors decided to do a C-section on Sept. 9th. My son was fine and all was well. I didn't take any birth control,so 2 years later I got PG and started having problems,went to the obgyn and he said it was a" tubal" Pregnancy..He had to terminate, 4 weeks later I was PG again..another tubal,again terminated..They told me NOT to try again,But I didn't want to raise my son alone. So 4 years and 1 month from my first son,My second son was born..C-section also..I tried to have him but I was not dialating [sp] I was in labor from Sunday Morn til Tues at noon when they told me they HAD to take him..Everything was fine altho my spinal block wore off during the delivery and they had to knock me out for a few minutes.But I saw HIM ..It was Great ! the first one I was asleep.But DO take those pain meds..They forgot to give me mine and I had a whole room full of relatives,so I wouldn't say anything. After 2 hours my Mom realized they hadn't brought me anything for pain ,So she went and chased the doctor down..It was much appreciated !!!
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/jump.gif
Try Not to be too scared..Focus on that little tiny person you are going to get to FINALLY meet !!
God Bless, Carla
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[debralee]

Hello Jodie and Congratulations!!!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cloud9.gif

I had two vaginal births and one emergyance c-section. I am not dx with lupus but my last 2 children were high risk pregnances. My last baby was the c-section...... my BP was dropping and the doctor decided to do a c-section as she felt we both were in danger.

I had an epidural and ouy do feel pressure, but there is no pain. Talk to ouyr doctor about the risk of general anesthesia .......... I was told taht an epidural was safer fro the baby........but it has been a while since I've had a baby. Plus ouy get to hold oury beautiful baby a lot sooner!!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cloud9.gif

The recovery is longer with a c-section........but i would have done it again if it means a heathy baby. As it was my OB told me I shouldn't have anymore children......it was too risky for both me and the baby. I wanted more children but I'm very blessed that I have 3 beautiful children of my own and also 3 beautiful step-children. So I do have a large family and I'm very grateful for what God has given me.

My baby is now 14 and doing great. The c-section was well worth it!

Good Luck style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/clover.gif to ouy! Let us know how are ouy doing. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif

God Bless,
Deb

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[ruta74]

Hi!

I was in front of the same problem about five months ago. ( you can probably find the topic also if you searc my name)
My lupus got a little bad in the end of my pregnancy and after having some tests in the hospital I was sceduled a C-sect.
But my waters broke a day earlier and when I went to the hospital, they actually asked whether I?d still like to try to do it myself. But I was so prepared to the operation already in my mind and I thought this is not a thing in your life when you can TRY!! There must have been a reason why they scedueld the section to me in the first place.
So I was cut open style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Anyways it wasnt a bad experience at all!
Of course you dont jump out from the operation room and have to lie down longer than natural birth givers.
But still I have no horrible memories from it.


I wish everything goes well for you!!!

Regards,
Ruta

[beverley jayne]

CONGRATULATIONS jODIE,

I've got 2 children, When i had my first child i had to have a emergency c-section and he was born with a cleft palate [which i was told had nothing to do with my SLE] My second child i was told that i would need to have a c-section done but i asked if i could try to give birth natural first. the doctors said that i could and 5 hours after my waters had broke i gave birth to a healthy 7lb boy.

take care and good look
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wavey.gif beverley jayne

[jm_jazzy]

hi all,

Off to the OB Tuesday I will let you know what he says.

Carla all relatives bar hubby and mum will be banned! Last thing I need is a room full of people. Deb don't know if an epidural is better or not but I will ask.

Ruta, TRY! Well it is not like trying to ride a bike although I have been told that it usually takes care of itself. Don't blame you I haven't 'prepared' yet so it all depends on the dc. I am not spending money on birth classes if it is not needed.

Beverley Jayne you ceratinly fooled them 5 hours isn't too long.

Glad it worked out for you all. I think they are concerned that my fatigue levels are currently extreme and are worried that I might be too exhausted to go through a c section if I 'try' for too long. Given that getting up is an effort at moment I may have to agree.

Bye for now.

jm

p.s 28 weeks

[Christine UK]

<span style="font-family:Comic Sans Ms"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">
When i was pregnant with my son in 1987,i was told ohhh highly unlikely this pregnancy will be succesful...with the sle and aps.....oh and if u do make it to 30+ we will do a planned c section etc etc.....
well talk about worry me !!!
as it happened i had a wonderful pregnancy...full term in fact overdue....normal wonderful birth.....had a small flare after but hey i had my beautiful son so that was brill....i did have placenta previa (sp) but it righted itself....
when i was preg with my daughter in 1990...i at 8 weks had severe chick pox...we had to make the decision to go ahead with the preg because the baby could be severly deformed.....we went ahead with the preg...at 19 weeks i bleed and was put in hospital....BUt my beautiful daughter was born over due...and was perfect...i guess what i am trying to say is...ok we have an illness and things can go wrong but the majority of preg are just fine...hang on in there think positive my friend x x x</span></span>

[jm_jazzy]

Thanks Christine,

I am glad that everything worked out for you. So far I have been ok. Although the doctor is concerned for after not putting on any weight (i had extra) that in the last 3 I have put on 4 kgs. Told to cut out salt and he will watch my weight in case it is fluid.

The Ob has still been reluctant to discuss my birth options. He says we can do that at 38 weeks. I am not happy about that and when hubby comes back from NYC in 4 weeks I will be asking again.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

Jodie

[balla]

Hi, so sorry to hear of your delivery plans i had a c-section in 1992 with my last daughter she was 10 weeks prem due to my kidney infection setting me off into labour although doctors did know she would be early and kept me on antibiotics hopeing she would carry on as long as she could but everything went so wrong at 30 weeks, She was so ill well now although she has raynauds and epilepsy is a 13 year old lovely girl, It was an emergancy c-section only had time to have oxygen on the way to theatre but as far as after i was wanting to be up walking within an hour of having her as i wanted to see her in SCBU but although when nurse said i could see her i jumped out of bed she wouldn't let me walk.I have had three other labours before my youngest daughter natural birth if i knew c-sections were that easy i would have had all this way.
I am a tough cookie though i was up walking straight just the day after my hysterectomy nurses were so shocked.Although having my kidney removed took alot more time.
I know that it would be nice having natural child birth but its what is best for your health.
bye for now susan x style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif

[jm_jazzy]

hi Susan,

It does sound like your a tough cookie! I am glad that despite the problems your daughter has turned out fine.

My Ob/gyn has not actually discussedhis 'plans' with me. Says he will do that in week 37 and if I am early he will deal with it then. I think my GP was correct in advising me how the ob/gyn will treat the birth. I don't mind really how I give birth as long as evreything is ok.

Bye for now.

Jodie style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Thanx.gif

[jodipat]

Hi Jodie,

I am pregnant too at 18 weeks with my second child. Had first naturally, but really want this one a c-section!. I too was in the same position of my consultant not wanting to discuss my options till very late - then he moved hospitals so I had no specialist! I am now under Birmingham Womens which is much better. Am having a slight flare at the moment so they want me to start taking meds again but am reluctant to do. Take asprin daily though. It sounds like your consultant is scared and not very informed though. I am under Dr Gordon in Birmingham who is a top specialist and she has said natural delivery is actually better for lupies - apart from the exhaustion the recovery etc is quicker and they really want me to try natural again. Aparently there are a lot more problems with Lupus and C-sect so she said don't go for one unless very necessary. It makes you feel a bit scared when no one will give you a straight answer. I was made to give birth lying down after induction for 14 hours labour - no water, food or moving! I had surgical stockings on all that time (in case c-section needed) and passed out once she was born due to chronic anaemia which the hospital had failed to realise.
I hope everything goes smoothly for you, and if you consultant is happiest with a section then go for it - you can be left in limbo with them trying to induce anyway.
It will all be worth while so which ever way they come out at least they are here and safe!

Best wishes

Jodi Pat