Did Anyone Have Complications After C-section That Landed Them in the Hospital ?

Updated on March 16, 2010
R.S. asks from Chicago, IL
7 answers

Our birth was the opposite of what we had hoped for. I had done prenatal yoga and studied hypnobirthing techniques and was prepared for a drug-free delivery. In the end, I labored for 36 hours without any drugs, but wasn't progressing beyond 6 cm. Contractions began coming further and further apart and I was falling asleep between them. The doctor and my doula convinced me to get an epidural, and petocin, get some sleep and then hopefully push the baby out in a few hours. Well, the epidural happened and about 15 minutes later I had an oxygen mask over my face and the baby was showing some distress. No sooner than that, I was having a C-Section. I just remember being in a total state of panic on the table. As if that wasn't distressing enough, we learned our baby had an unspecified infection and was in the NICU (she was drenched in meconium when she was born...probably inhaled some). Fast forward...I was discharged 4 days later even though I was having low-grade fevers. They never took any cultures to find out the origin of the fever...just sent me home on an antibiotic. 2 days later, I had fever and chills and knew something was up. In the ER, they took cultures, did a cat scan of my uterus, etc etc...I was absolutely terrified. I ended up staying in the hospital 48 hours, in an absolute panic...my anxiety was so high because they couldn't really figure out what was wrong...isntead, they just kept switching antibiocs. I'm not even sure what they ended up saying it was...I think a bladder infection. I was just co ticked off at my doctor for releasing me in the first place knowing that I was having fevers and not bothering to run test to find out why, so that she could appropriately put me on the right antibiotic. To make it all worse, my doctor was out of town during all of this and when I went to see her a week later, she commented that I was put on the wrong antibiotic and switched me again...

All in all, I was complete wreck during this time (the baby was fine after a week of antibiotics)----so scared. We're not ready yet to try for another baby but when the time is right, I feel very nervous for how the second birth might go. Can anyone share some positive experiences they had the second time 'round after a difficult first one?

Thank you.

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A.T.

answers from Portland on

I had a really hard time the first time & have reasearched many different birthing centers since then. This time we are going with midwives out of the hospital, at home. It seems like you were the victim of the very poorly handled obstetrics system in our country. There is no reason why a urinary tract infection should be such a big mystery that they have to go through tons of antibiotics to find the right one! I am so sorry, I hear the second one is much easier, but I would stay away from the hospital & watch Ricki Lake's documentary on birth in America. I would also try accupuncture during labor next time.

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D.M.

answers from Denver on

My sister's 1st was a 'nightmare' c-section. It wasn't planned, but happened after 20+ hrs. The baby was fine, but her uterus wouldn't contract. After three blood transfusions, as she was bleeding out.... the finally got it to contract and avoid a hysterectomy (spelling?). The bottom line to my story is that she was terrfied of another horrifying experience. She did have baby number two - c-section and it went wonderfully. Each baby, each birth is different. Take some time to enjoy the first and heal emotionally and physically and then have another if you would like - it will be fine! Happy you are both okay!

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A.A.

answers from Columbus on

Hi R., I had an unplanned c-section as well after many hours of labour. The nurses kept asking me how heavy was my bleeding while I was in the hospital over the nxt coupled days and I kept saying there hardly was any. As this was my first baby, I didn't know what to expect. I went home with my husband and baby only to rush back to the ER 3 days later with haemorrhaging. Like you, no one really had any idea what was wrong with me - they just hooked me up to an IV full of antibiotics, told me there was no way they were going to do an internal exam so soon after delivery and sent me home 24 hours later with no explanation. I was terrified I would start bleeding so heavily again but it stayed consistant after the trip back to the hospital.

So I guess I don't have any helpful wisdom or positive experiences but it has helped me to read that this has happened to so many other people, I had no idea until I read your post. Good luck and I am sure that at the very least, you will be more prepared for all the possibilities for the birth of your next baby.

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I think every pregnancy and delivery is unique. You should rightfully mourn that your first delivery didn't go as you expected but then set that aside and "think happy thoughts" for future deliveries.

I was induced several times using different means trying to coax my first (enormous) baby to come out. Third induction (w/a pre-emptive water breaking) was the charm. However, after 14 hours, 5 cm, and a fading baby...I had a c-birth. And while the recovery was easy...We did have a scary moment post-delivery when my uterus - Stretched beyond endurance and exhausted from repeated bouts of labor - wouldn't contract and I was in danger of bleeding out. Shot of heparin (sp?) did the trick (but with some unsavory side effects).

Anyhoooo...I opted to do a scheduled c-birth for my 2nd though I was a candidate for VBAC. 2nd time around c-birth recovery was even easier (and honestly thought it was a breeze the 1st time) and the procedure itself went super smooth. Contracted on my own afterward...No blood loss...Nothing. I place this 2nd experience solely on NOT having hours and hours of labor before major surgery. Labor - Yes. Surgery - Yes. Both - Too much.

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A.M.

answers from College Station on

My first was not as bad as yours but still bad... I hadn't planned a c section and was trying all natural (no classes and no time). I went through 11-13 hours of labor was at a 6. The doc didn't work the next day and pulled me into a c section. There were no problems and she was fine however I was only 17 and devestated (???). I want lots of children and so does my husband. When i found out 4 months later I was prego with the 2nd (on birthcontrol) I was scared to death. I wanted a VBAC but they don't do them wear I live. After bring admitted so many times for preterm labor the doc did the c section at 38 weeks (bedrest/semi bedrest 32-37) I hated my second as well. The spinal went in 7 times before he hit the spot had a nurse pass out and I was allergic to the meds the put me on. To top it off I didn't get to see my second daughter for an entire day bc she had lung problems because she couldn't naturally push the fluid out or something like that!. I couldn't move for 2 days they made me lie in bed and I was allergic to the pain meds so I was screwed couldn't move or anything. Me and my husband are planning to try in dec for a 3rd child and are goin VBA2C. I would actually suggest you look into that and around your area for a doc who would perform the procedure. I have to drive 1 and a half hours to a doc who will do it, but he said it would be just fine. I really think that would be your best bet, but I know people who have had 4 c-sections and everything was just fine... I was one who didn't like either experience. SO SO sorry about that happening to you! Good luck and I am sorry I wasn't able to give you any help with my experience... I just feel if you are able to then try for a VBAC the risks really are not too much diffrent. Talk to your doc, better yet find a new doc who will listen to you and voice all your concerns PRIOR to getting pregnant. Again good luck and I hope something I just babled helped you... ------------Ash

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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

I am pregnant with my 5th child and I have antibodies that destroy my baby's platelets. My first was born with no platelets, had transfusions from my platelets, lots of tests, and had to have IVIG when he was three weeks old. Reacted to vaccines, had severe food allergies and on and on. With my others, I knew how to avoid what I could avoid and treat what was treatable. All my pregnancies and deliveries were a bit different but all in all, I was more knowledgable and more relaxed with each one. Each pregnancy and delivery is a little different and you may never have that problem again. You will be more relaxed and not as stressed with your others. Good luck to you!

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J.

answers from Chicago on

Hello,
I had a terrible experience like yours as well and it's taken a long time to get over it (physically and emotionally). I would recommend looking into ICAN meetings (Illinois Cesarean Awareness Network) as talking to some of the women in the group might be beneficial, either in person at meetings or via the google group. Many of the women there have had multiple birth experiences after unplanned and unwanted c-sections, and would definitely be able to answer your questions and provide support.
Hope that helps!

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