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10 Surprising Things About My C-Section Experience
I first went into labor at 35 weeks, leading to a night in the hospital. My contractions stalled, and I was stuck at 4 centimeters for two weeks. After enduring 12 hours of intense contractions, I found myself in the world of C-sections. Although I had done my homework on the procedure and recovery, several things caught me off guard.
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Peeing Isn’t Automatic
When they removed my catheter post-surgery, I figured I’d just go when nature called. Fast forward six hours, and my bladder was uncomfortably full with no urgency to relieve myself. Cue the reinserted catheter (ouch). The next 24 hours were a constant battle to pee, with nurses encouraging me to try various tricks, like turning on the tap while I attempted to distract myself with social media. -
Getting Out of Bed is No Joke
I underestimated the effort needed to get out of bed. The process involved rolling, scooting, and pushing myself up—no easy feat when your abs have just been sliced through. It was crucial that anyone assisting me understood not to yank me up! -
Thirsty Doesn’t Even Begin to Describe It
Post-surgery, I was parched, but they wouldn’t let me drink anything for fear of complications. I finally convinced a nurse to give me ice chips, which felt like a luxurious treat. I savored each chip in the dark while my husband caught up on sleep nearby. -
Shaking Like a Leaf
I knew I might shake after delivery, but the intensity was shocking. It started during the C-section and lasted for hours—a full-body tremor that left me feeling like a human maraca. -
So Many Meds, So Little Memory
With medications flowing like a river, I lost track of what was being injected into me. I remember the nurses preparing me for each shot, but the details are a hazy blur. It’s a good thing my husband was there to witness the chaos! -
Potbelly Alert!
Sure, carrying twins accounts for some of my postpartum belly, but I learned that trapped gas during the C-section can cause quite a bulge as well. Not to mention, the stitches and muscle cutting made it hard to tighten things up again. At this point, I still look three months pregnant, and I might have to throw a few side-eyes to those who ask if I’m expecting again. -
Almost Snoozed Through It
I’m usually a light sleeper, but I was so drowsy in the operating room that I nearly dozed off. Despite the bright lights and the chaos, the urge to sleep was undeniable after being awake for nearly two days. -
Numbness is Real
My lower abdomen felt numb, a sensation that could last for a year or more. I found myself poking the area above my incision, mesmerized by the lack of feeling, which was strangely intriguing. -
My Husband’s Traumatic Peek
Poor guy got a front-row seat to the whole procedure and saw things he’d rather forget. Watching me hemorrhage and seeing my uterus pulled out to stop the bleeding wasn’t exactly what he signed up for. -
Husband in Waiting
Before they let my husband in, I lay there half-numb, listening to the medical team chat about their Valentine’s Day plans while I eagerly awaited his arrival from “husband purgatory,” a tiny waiting room nearby.
If you’re expecting a C-section (and let’s be honest, this is a common scenario in America), don’t stress too much. The initial discomfort lasts less than a week. You will eventually walk without a pillow, cough and laugh without wincing, and, most importantly, you’ll walk away with a beautiful scar and a brand-new baby.
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Summary:
Having a C-section can come with surprising challenges, from unexpected difficulties in peeing and getting out of bed to the overwhelming thirst and numbing sensations. While the experience can be daunting, the end goal—a new baby—is worth every moment.