Preparing for your scheduled Cesarean Section
Are you pregnant, a little nervous, and wondering what to expect with a c-section?
I was in your shoes once!
Years ago, I was that mom that thought I wouldn’t use any drugs during my labor. I told myself I would push my baby out within minutes, have no complications, and even considered a home birth at one point!
Well, let’s just say that idea went out the door real fast!
I had zero intentions of having an emergency c-section! I even skipped that entire section in my pregnancy book because I believed I would have an easy and quick birth!
Yea, none of that happened to me!
In fact, my first daughter was over a week late so I was induced. I was in labor for 48 hours and pushed my little heart out until I threw up, got a very high fever, my baby’s heart rate increased dramatically, and they rushed me to the OR for an emergency c-section.
Not at all the birth plan I had in my head!
If you are a mom who knows you are having a scheduled c-section, then you have the upper hand and I’ll tell you everything I wish I knew before I had a c-section so you are prepared! After having 4 c-sections, here is what I wish someone told me before hand!
Even if you don’t expect to have a cesarean birth, I still believe learning what to expect with a c-section is good information to know! This way, you’ll be prepared for whatever delivery you end up having!
Here are 14 things to expect with a scheduled c-section!
1– You can’t eat or drink anything for 8-12 hours before your scheduled c-section.
So this was one of the hardest things for me! I’m always thirsty normally so this didn’t make it any easier!
It wasn’t even the eating part that bothered me so much as it was not being able to drink anything for 6-8 hours!
I mean, come on….are you kidding me?
You will have your scheduled c-section early in the morning to make the fasting easier on the mom. This was still tough for me because once you get to the hospital, it takes a while until you are actually on the operating table.
The best advice I can give any mama who is going to have a c-section is bring a lot of gum!
Studies show that chewing gum before surgery is safe, however, always check with your doctor first! Not every doctor agrees with this study! My nurses said that it was fine for me but every medical team is different.
Update: For my fourth c-section, my medical team did not allow me to chew gum prior to my c-section. Just be sure you ask about this because I was able to chew gum before my second and third c-section. Every doctor is different!
Another reason to stock up on gum is that interesting new studies show that women who chew gum 3 times a day after a c-section delivery help them recover faster! (Source)
So, stock up on gum to help you through this!
2– Shave down there prior to your c-section!
2– Shave down there prior to your c-section!Wait…what?
Yes, I said to be sure to groom yourself down there.
I normally do shave down there so this wasn’t an issue for me, thankfully. If you can’t reach or see down there, then maybe go to a salon and get waxed. That way, you won’t have to do it yourself when you’re super prego and can’t even see your feet!
Your nurses will thank you for saving them some time and you’ll be happy you took care of that as well!
My friends who weren’t groomed down there before their c-section were taken back a bit when they had to get shaved right before their surgery!
They laugh about it now, but both said they’d rather have known this piece of information beforehand so they could do it themselves!
Your doctor may advise you not to shave the day before your scheduled c-section. However, it’s fine to groom away prior to this so make sure you shave or wax your little heart out at least a few days before you are scheduled to go in!
Some good razors:
3–
You will get a catheter inserted
You will get a catheter insertedLike I mentioned above, I’ve had four c-sections. My first one was an emergency c-section and the nurses put the catheter in after I had my anesthesia so I didn’t feel anything.
My second cesarean was scheduled. The nurse was about to put my catheter in before I had my anesthesia/spinal. Right before she started to do insert it, she asked me if I wanted to wait until later so I didn’t feel her putting the catheter in!
Uuuhhh….yes!!
I didn’t even realize this was an option but of course, I said yes, let’s wait! Why do I need to feel that?
Most hospitals won’t insert the catheter until after your anesthesia. However, if you have a nurse that wants to do it ahead of time, you can ask them to wait until you can’t feel it!
Getting a catheter isn’t exactly the most comfortable feeling in the world. Trust me, you’ll be in a ton of pain later, so spare yourself any aggravation beforehand if you can!
4–You will be cold and may have the shakes!
First of all, I hate the cold, like HATE the cold.
I’m one of those girls that should’ve been born down south. I like the snow up north but once that’s gone, I want it to be 80 degrees every day.
Let me just warn you that those operating rooms are freezing!
Doctors keep the operating room at a cooler temperature to maintain sterility and combat bacterial colonization. Also, moms are laying there wearing nothing but a hospital gown, so you’re going to be cold!!
You may also have the shakes from being so cold! This can also be caused by the anesthesia and your hormones.
You can ask the nurses to give you some warm blankets and they can wrap them around to help you with the coldness!
I think between being nervous about my c-section and the coldness, I was a shaking nervous wreck!
With my fourth cesarean, I had the shakes so bad for almost 2 hours after delivery. My doctors said it was a combination of my hormones and the anesthesia and would take a while to wear off. Finally, about 3 hours after my delivery, I stopped shaking and felt much better!
Are you having terrible morning sickness? Click below for some awesome morning sickness tips!
5– You’ll have to sit very still
You will have to sit as still as possible in that very cold operating room without your significant other to get your spinal or epidural.
Your anesthetist is your BFF for a few hours!
They will show you exactly how to slouch your back so they can insert the needle. If you hate needles and are worried about this part, don’t be, you never actually see the needle.
Also, it’s not painful, just a pinch. The hardest part is staying still and knowing what is happening!
Once you start to feel the numbness in your feet, the nurses and anesthesiologist will lay you down. They are with you for the entire procedure to make sure you’re comfortable and you don’t feel any type of pain.
It was difficult for me to sit still because the room was so cold and I was shaking! It feels like a long time sitting in that room without your significant other but it all does happen very fast.
My medical team was wonderful and helped me through all of it!
Wondering what to wear after your c-section that won’t irritate your incision? Click the photo below!
6– Your significant other can see your insides and the entire c-section procedure if they want
Some dads are very into this and others can’t stomach it at all. My husband looked a little bit but I told him I’d prefer he didn’t.
Why didn’t I want him to look?
Because I was completely freaked out myself! The only view I had was my husband’s face to keep me calm.
If my husband made a face that was disturbing or scared him, then I’d get completely freaked out even more!
I needed him to be calm to calm me down if that makes any sense! LOL
He did peak every so often and saw a lot when he went over to help clean up our daughter. He didn’t tell me anything about it until later which was good.
The thought of my insides laying there bugged me out pretty bad! Everyone feels different about this so it’s totally up to you and your hubby what works for you both and will make you comfortable.
7– There will be pressure!
You won’t feel any pain but you WILL FEEL ABDOMINAL PRESSURE!
Just remember this!
The pressure was worse for me with my first cesarean because I was having long labor before my c-section. I felt a ton of pressure when they were pulling my first baby out.
It didn’t hurt at all, just felt completely weird!
My second and third c-sections, I also feel pressure but not as much because they were planned and I didn’t go through hours of labor with them.
Just remember, the pressure doesn’t hurt, just feels super strange! But the outcome is totally worth it! 🙂
8– Baby comes out quickly!
It honestly doesn’t take long at all once they lay you back and call in your husband or significant other to join you. If this is your first c-section or you don’t have any scar tissue from previous c-sections, then getting the baby out happens fast!
You’ll feel the pressure for a little bit but once they pull the baby out from your uterus, then the pressure stops.
The nurses and your anesthesiologist will talk you through it and tell you to take deep breaths because your baby is almost here!
9– Delayed cry after birth
Your baby may not cry right away!
I sooooo wish someone had told me this! I’m not kidding here, this scared the crap out of me.
We’ve all watched those movies of a mom delivering her baby and the second the doctor pulls the baby out, you hear the baby cry, right?
Yea, don’t expect that with a c-section!
I wasn’t aware of this and once they said she was here, it was the longest 1-2 minutes of my life before my baby cried!
A baby may not cry right away due to the pain medication the mother was given, if the mother was pushing for a long time, or other complications. Some babies who are delivered through cesarean may just need time to transition out of uterine life.
They may also need the fluid suctioned out of their nose and mouth in order for them to dry. You can read more about the reasons for delayed cry after birth here.
This is what happened to my daughter. Once the nurses suctioned the fluids from her mouth and nose, she let out a loud cry and it was the best noise I ever heard in my life!
Are you all ready for your baby’s arrival? Be sure to read this third trimester checklist for a scheduled c-section! Tips to make sure you have everything you need before baby comes!
10–Stitching you back up feels like an eternity!
Once my baby was out, all I wanted to do was hold her! I couldn’t wait!
My husband was holding her close to me which was the best I could have at that moment. You aren’t able to hold them right away but if all goes well, you’ll be able to have them next to you or on your chest for a little bit.
The doctors will have to sew your uterus back up and each layer they had to cut through to get to the baby. They will also have to push down on your stomach a bit to get everything back to where it was.
So, yes, there’s more pressure and more waiting.
It’s all so strange really because you’re laying there half naked with your insides all out! I just wanted it to be over already and I stared at the clock.
I was thrilled my baby was okay but with every c-section I had, I felt like this was the longest part.
So, this part may not be fun but I’m a firm believer in knowing things ahead of time so I can handle them better! If you know this is all going to happen, then you’ll be more prepared.
11– There may be shoulder pain during the C-section
May women have shoulder pain after a c-section which is caused by trapped gas. I was lucky enough to experience the trapped gas and shoulder pain during my c-section while they were sewing me back up!
This pain was tolerable but very uncomfortable, especially when you are still laying down and waiting for your surgery to be over!
This trapped gas is caused by air that has entered your abdominal cavity during surgery. These air pockets will gradually be absorbed by your body within the next few days after your surgery. The pain will disappear as the gas disappears.
In most cases, women experience trapped gas after their c-section, so be prepared for both!
I told my medical team immediately and they were able to help me with the pain. They also gave me some Gas-X which worked wonders for me the following few days after my c-section.
Remember, your anesthetist is there for you, so talk to them or your medical team. My anesthetist talked to me and helped me through it all!
Grab some of these below if you’re still having gas pain once you get home, they work like a charm!
12– Expect bleeding after c-section
Yes, there will be blood!
After my first c-section, I didn’t expect this to happen. I assumed that since I had a cesarean then I wouldn’t be bleeding afterward.
Well, you will bleed and you’ll bleed a lot!
When the nurses helped me stand up for the first time, I had no idea how much blood was under me or that I was even bleeding! It’s basically like you’re having an incredibly bad period.
A woman who has a c-section delivery has twice as much blood loss than a woman who had a vaginal delivery. This is due to the pregnant uterus carrying more blood supply than any other organ in the body! (Source)
You aren’t able to feel anything for a while so you’re aren’t really aware of what’s going on down there!
Once you start to have feelings in your legs and are able to move around, they help you stand up and that’s when you’ll see your nurses placed pads underneath you and the mess you made!
Your labor and delivery nurses are your best friends, so thank them often!
You will still bleed for a few days after and won’t be able to wear tampons, so pack these instead! The hospital should give you some pads, but they are pretty bulky and something you won’t want to wear once your home.
I liked these brands much better!
For THE BEST C-section recovery tips, click the photo below!
13– Tips to stay calm during your c-section
What helped me the most during my c-sections was my husband talking me through it all!
If you aren’t having the father of your baby in the OR with you, then bring someone you can count on that can make you laugh and tell you stories to take your mind off of it all!
It freaked me out a bit knowing all that the doctors were doing and helped me so much having my husband tell me stories or talk to me about our baby and what she would look like.
Like I said above, the beginning goes fast but the end feels like it takes a while, so bring someone that can calm you down, or even make you laugh!
Have them prepare to tell you a story, hold your hand and get you through those last few minutes until you can get out of that OR room, get to recovery, and finally hold your baby!
Also remember to take deep breaths, tell yourself you got this and in such a short amount of time, you’ll get to hold that precious baby you waited months for!!
14– How long does a scheduled c-section take?
Most scheduled c-sections take a little over an hour. My last two c-sections that were scheduled took about an hour each.
It takes about 15-20 min from the time you sit on that OR table until the surgery actually begins. The longest part is after they get the baby out and stitch you back up.
So, prepare for a least an hour or so as long as there are no complications.
I hope these 14 things to expect with a scheduled c-section help other moms get prepared and ease their minds a bit! I wish someone told me these things before mine!
Knowing what you’re getting yourself into is half the battle and will make you calmer and you’ll be ready for anything!
Below are some must-have C-Section Recovery essentials you’ll need, so make sure you stock up on these for an easy recovery!
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Colace Clear Stool Softener 50mg Soft Gels 28 Count Docusate Sodium Stool Softener for Gentle Dependable Relief Doctor Recommended | Buy Now | |
 | Gas-X Extra Strength Chewable Gas Relief Tablets with Simethicone 125 mg, Cherry - 72 Count | Buy Now | |
 | 3 in 1 Postpartum Belly Wrap Abdominal Binder Belly Band C-section Recovery Belt & Sacroiliac Hip Support Belt (Large, ZBlack) | Buy Now | |
 | TiRain Postpartum Belly Band 3 in 1 Post Pregnancy Support Band Csection/Natural Birth Recovery Belt Post Maternity Waist Shapewear Body Shape Belt Black fit US 4-12 | Buy Now | |
 | Frida Mom Disposable Boyshort Cut Postpartum Underwear by Frida Mom |Super Soft, Stretchy, Breathable, Wicking, Latex-Free - Size - Regular, 8 Count | Buy Now | |
 | Upspring C-Panty C-Section Recovery Underwear with Silicone Panel for Incision Care, High Waisted Postpartum Underwear for Women to Support, Slim, and Smooth After C-Section (Nude, Large/X-Large) | Buy Now | |
 | ScarAway Clear Silicone Scar Sheets, White, 10 Count | Buy Now | |
 | 4pcs Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set – Post Surgery, Relaxing, Back & Adjustable Head Support Cushion – Triangle Memory Foam Pillow for Acid Reflux, Sleeping, Reading, Leg Elevation, Snoring (White) | Buy Now | |
 | Ingrid & Isabel Basics 7/8 Active Postpartum Legging, Compression & Support for Recovery, Black, Womens Size S | Buy Now | |
 | Leggings Depot Women's Relaxed fit Jogger Track Cuff Sweatpants with Pockets-JGA-Black-L | Buy Now | |
 | The Honey Pot Company Clean Cotton Postpartum Pads (12 Count), Herbal-Infused, Postpartum and Maternity Pads with Wings, Plant-Derived Feminine & Menstrual Care | Buy Now | |
 | Boiron Arnicare Tablets for Pain Relief from Muscle Pain, Joint Soreness, Swelling from Injury or Bruises - 60 Count | Buy Now | |
 | Motrin IB Liquid Gels, Ibuprofen 200 mg, Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer Minor Arthritis Pain, Muscular Aches, Headache, Menstrual Cramps & Backache, NSAID, 80 Ct | Buy Now | |
 | Geritto Motivational Water Bottle with Time Marker, 32 Oz BPA Free Water Bottles with Fruit Strainer, Leak-Proof Wide Mouth and Fast Water Flow Water Bottles for Fitness Gym Outdoor | Buy Now |
Wondering what to pack in your scheduled c-section hospital bag? Click the photo below!
You may also like:
C-Section Recovery Timeline: 6 week detailed postpartum timeline
10 Tips to help you Breastfeed After a C-section
How To Survive A C-section Recovery with a Toddler!
Best Clothes to Wear After Your C-section
The Do’s and Don’ts After a C-section or click the photo below!
I hope this isn’t to personal but we’re you able to breast feed your babies after your c section.. this is my main concern waiting so long and did your husband get to do skin to skin till you were able too? Thanks
Hi Jessica! Not too personal at all! My first c-section I was not able to nurse my daughter right away because she was taken right to the NICU due to complications. However, my second and third c-sections were so much better! My husband held both of my babies and did skin to skin or put them as close to me as possible while the doctors stitched me up. This took about 15-20 minutes but once they were done, they sent me off to the recovery room and I was able to breastfeed my babies in that room! If you’d like to do skin to skin directly after your baby arrives, be sure to tell your doctor! They can help you with this and your husband/significant other can hold your baby so she/he is as close to you as possible until they are done with the surgery. Hope this helps and good luck to you! You may want to check out this post too! https://www.italianpolishmomma.com/breastfeeding-after-c-section/
I’ve had 6 c sections, and the second I get in the recovery room, and the nurses put my baby in my arms, I start breastfeeding. Some nurses are sick and others are like this Mama knows what to do!
Hi! I too had C-section and give birth to a baby boy. I wanted to know if we can live and do stuff as before C-section we used to do? I heard from many people that after Csection the Tommy can never be flat as normal after normal delivery it get back to its size. And that you have to bear back pain for a life after C-section but not in normal delivery
Hi Shalla! Yes, you can do things that you were able to do before your c-section, however, lifting anything heavy or doing any exercising will taking a few weeks until your doctor gives you the green light. I did not have any back pain with any of my 3 c-sections I had, so I wouldn’t worry about this. If you do have some back pain, talk to your doctor and see what they can offer you. Also, don’t listen to everyone’s advice about the flat belly. My belly was able to go back to normal after a few months. Drink plenty of water and get yourself a c-section recovery belt which helped me tremendously! You can read more about it here https://www.italianpolishmomma.com/c-section-recovery-tips/
Good luck and congrats on your baby boy! Let me know if you have any other questions! 🙂
Hello, I’ve had 3 babies and all delivered vaginal. But I’m scheduled for a c section this upcoming week and I’m a little nervous ! Or scared, people I’ve mentioned it too have told me is the worst pain ever and so on . My mom says not to worrying about it, she had a c section and everything was fine .. I’m also planning on getting my tubes removed . Is there anything I can take before to stay calm ? My baby moves a lot and I’m also scared the umbilical cord could affect her 😣😣
Hi Ayra,
I know exactly how you feel! And honestly I can’t sit here and say that with each c-section I had that I got less nervous because I didn’t!! I’m currently pregnant with my fourth baby and once again I’ll be having a c-section. The best advice I can give you is to have your husband or significant other or whoever is going in to the OR with you to help talk you through it! Make sure he tells you happy stories and gets your mind off of what is going on and it will help things move along faster. I’ve heard some moms will have their husband play their favorite music and that also calms them. I like to watch videos of my crazy girls on my husband’s phone and it helps me laugh and get through it. I know some essential oils that are excellent at helping calm your nerves. Ask your doctor for more information but I’ve heard great things about using chamomile essential oil and Ylang Ylang oils to calm your nerves! Remember to take deep breaths when you get nervous and that will also help! You’ve got this mama! You will be in pain after just like any surgery so be sure to take your ibuprofen, it will help you so much! Good luck this week and congrats! Let us know how it worked out for you! 🙂
Loved this article- thank you. I had an emergency c-section with my first, pregnant with baby #2 now & am planning to have a c-section. However I’m not sure if I should schedule it or go into labor then go in & have a c-section. Just wondering what would be best for breastfeeding- I did not have a successful time breastfeeding my first- I went through 6 weeks of terrible pain & bleeding nipples before deciding to formula feed. I really want to ensure or at least give myself a chance to have a more successful time breastfeeding. I know a lot more now than I did before so as long as my baby cooperates we should be golden.
Hi Brooklyn!
If you haven’t decided what to do about your c-section yet, I would talk to your doctor and see what they say is best for you. Every woman’s situation is different so you may benefit more from a vaginal delivery if breastfeeding your baby is something you really want to do. Usually a mother’s milk comes in a day or two later after a c-section delivery than a mother who delivered vaginally so that can be one benefit. Breastfeeding can be pretty tough no matter how you deliver! Make sure you tell your doctor you plan to breastfeed so they can have a lactation consultant in your room to help you succeed! I breastfed all 4 of my babies after my c-sections, this post here may help you breastfeed if you do have another c-section!
I wish you the best of luck! 🙂
This was really interesting to read! I don’t think I’ve heard a first-person account of a c-section before. Thank you for sharing.
THANK YOU for this! I am scheduled for a C-section in a few weeks and I’m quite anxious about things. This amount of detail of what to expect has really helped ease my racing mind a bit. Thank you!
Hi Gabrielle,
So happy to help ease your mind! Good luck and enjoy that baby, it goes by so fast! 🙂
God bless you for taking time to share such details! Im totally freaked out about my C Sec. This is the first article that actually explains anything at all that I wanted to really know. I cant thank you enough!
Awe, you’re welcome! So happy I could help!
Thank you for writing this! I, too, had an unplanned c-section for my first, an unsuccessful TOLAC for my second, and will likely schedule my 3rd cesarean this winter. I am not excited to do it again, but reading your tips and remembering I’m not the only one is helpful!
This will be my 3rd C-section. Firs, water broke natural a week early attempted natural labor 7 hours later we had to do an emergency she was 10.6oz. 2 scheduled delivery 38.5 weeks she was 9.7 oz. This time my doctor scheduled for 39 weeks and 4 days. Having scheduled C-sections before have you ever had to wait so late to deliver?
I don’t believe I had to wait that long with my 3rd C-section, howvever, my doctor didn’t want me to go into labor naturally. Maybe call your doctor and let them know you’re a little worried about waiting so long! You had some big babies! Best of luck to you, mama! Sending prayers for a safe and quick delivery!