[Mummy Duck]

Birth #1 was an emergency c-section after a 51 hour labour. It was then decided that birth #2 would be a planned c-section. I found I was really nervous, cried happy tears and was so overwhelmed by it all, not helped that I was last on the list and waited most of the day.

I have for birth#3 organised to be the first on the list so will have less waiting time which will help. When we met with the anaesthetist for #2 I asked if I could be given something for my nerves as I have a history of anxiety. The doctor said no and that he didnt want me to be too fuzzy and not remember what was going on. I really want to be calm for this next birth. Ive had calmative medication over the years and it has not affected my memory.

My main memory of birth #2 is of being wound up. I dont want to feel that way this time.

Has anyone been given anything before a c-section for nerves?

[soontobegran]

You can have something
Just have a chat to the anaesthetist when he/she does the pre-op visit.

[ollies-mum]

I was offered something for my emergency c/s as i was sooo nervous but i kept refusing as i was worried i wouldnt remember it all. He kept saying to me "just like half a glass of wine!"

[Mummy Duck]

Hmmm I think Im going to have to be a bit more pushy about it then. The doctor gave me the impressoin it wasnt an option.

Does anyone know what they had?

[Luci]

I think I had half a valium.
Luci

[T2Mum]

Valium here too. It definitely did not make me out of it - just took the edge off do to speak. Half a glass of wine is a perfect analogy. I have already put in my request for this c-section!!
My psychiatrist liaised with my OB about what was safe. He had no issue with it even though it was expected to be (and was) a complicated c-section with major blood loss.

[soontobegran]

Valium is usually the drug of choice

[Mummy Duck]

Valium here too. It definitely did not make me out of it - just took the edge off do to speak. Half a glass of wine is a perfect analogy. I have already put in my request for this c-section!!
My psychiatrist liaised with my OB about what was safe. He had no issue with it even though it was expected to be (and was) a complicated c-section with major blood loss.

That is a brilliant idea Im going to do that. I didnt even think of asking my doctors to talk. I still see a psychiatrist for PTSD from an injury years ago and I know my doctor will vouch that valium will not wipe me out.

I think I will have to get him to talk to the aneathetist however as last time it seemed like he was the one in charge of those things.

Thanks T2Mum sometimes you cant see the clearest answer when your in it.

[fruitbat72]

They generally don't like to give benzos (valium, midazolam) prior to a section as it affects the baby's breathing.

I don't think I have ever seen it given (and I have seen at least 100 sections)

You can only ask

[TheAP]

I highly recommend having your Psych liaise with your Ob care team. It makes the whole thing smoother, especially post birth.

I was offered Valium (pre birth) and a mild sedative (post birth) because of my high risk for PND and my difficult pregnancy. I chose not to have either. Unfortunately I'm known to be hyper sensitive to medications and both of those options have completely wiped me out in the past.

As a longer term "fix", ask your Psych about mindfulness therapy. I have found it works really well to keep in the present and stops my negative thoughts and anxieties from running away with me. It really helped me in dealing with the drama leading up to DS's emergency c-section and all of the issues post birth.

Good luck OP!