At 38 weeks, I was free from high blood pressure
I fought for and dreamed a lot about my third pregnancy, and already knew that this would be my last and I wouldn’t have more children. Since I had two experiences with cesarean sections, I knew that my third pregnancy would inevitably be one as well. Both because of the increased risk for mothers with more than two cesarean sections if they go into labor, and so I could take advantage of the chance to have a tubal ligation and officially finish my days as someone trying to conceive. I always say: when we have experience in something, everything tends to go more smoothly. Even having a risk of preeclampsia1, I was calm going into labor. In fact, let me start from the beginning…
When I had my two older children, I had two totally different experiences with cesarean sections. The first time, everything was very smooth! Although I suffered as usual from a drop in blood pressure caused by the spinal anesthesia, everything went really well. In the second delivery, I ended up having more severe problems, in an isolated case of the anesthesia rising into my lungs, which made breathing difficult2. Some extra care was necessary during and after the birth but everything turned out fine in the end. The third time, I was calm; I knew what to expect! I knew the whole process and how I’d be after the delivery.
We left the house at around 5 a.m. My doctor had asked us to get to the maternity hospital at about 10 to be admitted, but since I’m experienced with maternity routines, I wanted to get there early and make sure I’d be discharged while it was still daylight! Yes, for those who don’t know, you are discharged 48 hours after the time of your procedure. Most maternity wards adopt this practice so they can collect the baby’s heel prick test and make sure there have been no episodes of jaundice3.
So off we went, me and Marcos with all our bags! Like every pregnant woman, with my bags and Melissa’s and my heart full of joy — after all, I was going to see my little girl’s face for the first time! We arrived at the maternity hospital around six in the morning and went straight to admissions, but unfortunately we had to wait for the shift change, and ended up waiting until 8. I was starving, since I hadn’t eaten or even been able to drink since the day before, because of the procedure, but I hung in there.
We finally went up to the room, dropped off our things, and headed to pre-op. Marcos waited outside while I got ready. Even before entering the operating room, they handed me that lovely hospital gown, the one that leaves your backside out. I put it on, put on the cap and shoe covers, and lay down in a comfortable room alongside several other girls who were new to the whole childbirth thing. All first-time moms, and there I was among them getting barraged with questions!
– Does the anesthesia hurt? – What do you feel after childbirth? – How is recovery?
We chatted and didn’t even notice the time pass, until the nurse came and said the doctor had arrived and would be putting in the gel access (for the medication and IV fluids). The access is wider than a simple needle catheter. I admit that this part was tough in all my deliveries, since it’s quite a large poke, not so much painful but definitely uncomfortable.
Once I had my IV line, just like all the other moms-to-be, finally my doctor (dear Dr. Roberto Nogui) asked who wanted to go first, and of course, all the first-timers pointed at me! So off I went, walking down the hallway holding the hospital gown so my backside wouldn’t be on display for the whole surgical staff. For the third time I arrived in the operating room and I confess: that environment still gave me chills! Even though I was calm and my blood pressure was under control, I was nervous about the situation. Would everything go well? I had so many thoughts running through my head, but one thing stood out: I didn’t want to take my glasses off! I wanted to see my daughter, so I asked the nurse if I could at least keep them on until after she was born. She agreed, but told me that if I felt anything strange, she’d have to take them off.
The Third Cesarean Is Unforgettable!
The anesthesiologist arrived, introduced himself as always, and told me that the anesthesia I’d receive would be a new combination so I wouldn’t have the same side effects as last time. I got into the requested position: sitting, chin pressed to my chest as much as possible. There was the doctor, searching for the exact spot to give the anesthesia. Finally, my third cesarean birth had really begun!
I think the biggest fear for someone new to a cesarean is really the pain you might feel from the anesthesia. Even though I’d had problems before, as the medical specialist said, it can happen to anyone. Still, even though it was an isolated incident, I was a bit anxious about getting a spinal anesthesia again, so I talked it over with the doctor. I remember that as soon as they gave the shot, my legs felt heavy, the sensation was different from the other times. This time, I could feel people touching me, I just couldn’t feel any pain. Within 2 minutes the doctor walked in, happy and excited, and said:
– Patricia, let’s see Melissa’s little face!
They laid me down and pulled the blue drape up in front of me. I’m pretty sure that at this point they inserted the urinary catheter and cleaned me with iodine, because I felt something cold at the base of my abdomen. After that, I just remember feeling a bit dizzy, and right away the anesthesiologist noticed and gave me something in the IV to raise my blood pressure. Once I’d recovered, they let Marcos come in and sit next to me on a stool, and he was even paler than me! You could see how moved he was by it all, after all, this was our third baby born via cesarean section and the first time he was allowed in the OR to witness the arrival of our long-awaited little one.
Soon the doctor told him he could stand at the front of the bed, and I don’t think it was more than 15 minutes from the time I entered the OR to hearing Melissa cry. I heard the suction noises, then a little whimper, and right after that a strong cry! Melissa entered the world on July 22, 2011, beautiful and healthy, at 47cm and 3,540 grams.
After she was born they wiped her clean and brought her over for me to finally meet—my gorgeous daughter, with lovely tan skin, was chubby and looked just like me. When she was close to mommy and heard my voice, it was as if the world stopped for a third time. It’s amazing how strong the bond is between mother and child. An emotional Marcos got to hold our sweet Mel, and with full emotion he told me she was perfect.
Right after that, they took her away and Marcos went along. The tubal ligation was done and the sutures finished. Afterward I stayed about five more minutes in the OR and then was moved to the recovery room, where I stayed for another two hours until the anesthesia wore off completely. During that time, I was trembling so much, just shaking—not from cold, since I was sweating a lot. I think it was really just the anesthesia. I felt like the world was spinning, and according to the doctor this was normal. Then I went to my room and soon after was able to stand up for a shower. The world was still spinning but I leaned on the nurse who helped me with such kindness. I got dressed and soon Melissa came to the room too.
I stayed two days in the maternity hospital; those were good days, though nothing compares to being home. Everyone was very nice to me. Finally, it was time to go home and so the long-awaited going-home outfit was put on Mel by her daddy. After the heel prick test was done, we went home with our third treasure. The recovery was a long one—both because it was my third cesarean and because of the tubal ligation. Even though I was experienced, I had constipation for the first days after the birth, but everything went well under the doctor’s guidance. I had my stitches removed 10 days after the birth, and I was given a new lease on life! After 30 days, I was as good as new—you’d never guess I’d just had a baby.
I think the cesarean was the best choice in my case, since I had some issues that would have prevented a vaginal delivery—my blood pressure was very high during pregnancy and my doctor didn’t want to take chances. I don’t regret it. If I had to do it all again today, I think I would, but if I could start from scratch, I think I’d choose to have at least one vaginal birth just to know how it feels. Anyway, this is my experience with a third cesarean section.
Kisses
Patricia
See also: The 5 Different Births on Youtube (graphic scenes)
Photos: Personal Collection
