Why I opted for a Caesarean
Why I opted for a Caesarean.
Being a nurse, Lucy Gichia is familiar with the rush to theatre when a patient is in trouble. This time round it will be her turn. But she wants no emergencies and has opted for an elective (planned) caesarean section. She explains her reasons to Roseline Atieno.
What made you opt for a C- section?
I have booked for a Caesarean section delivery because of a scar I have from my previous pregnancy. My first labour was very trying. I remember I was to give birth on 25 December 2005. However, two weeks passed and nothing happened. This got me very concerned and I decided to visit the hospital.
Although I was not experiencing any pain, I was immediately booked for delivery. I stayed in the labour ward for a while but the baby could not come out. Moments later, the doctor decided to induce me. I tried to deliver normally but still the baby could not engage—he was too big! I started panicking when I noticed that the baby did not show signs of coming out despite the doctor’s efforts. I was immediately taken to theatre where general anesthesia was administered.
I woke up thirty minutes later and found my baby boy lying beside me. He weighed 4.4 kilograms. He is now two years old.
Is yours a surprise pregnancy?
No.We had planned to get a second baby. I got married in 2002 and stayed for four years without a baby. Right now I am 30 years old. I therefore wanted to have my babies close together and close the chapter of giving birth.
Any fears from previous labour?
It is always said that going into labour more than once within a period of two years or thereabout is risky, especially if the first delivery was by C-section. The risks include a uterine rupture. I also know, from experience as a nurse, that one cannot have a trial of scar* when the scar itself is weak because the last delivery was too recent. I have therefore settled my mind on an elective** C-section. All the same, I am a little bit nervous especially since I know the procedure very well. But that feeling is only natural!
What is the reaction of your husband?
He is also a medic so he understands the procedure. He encourages me and tells me that I will pull through just fine.
Have you any special delivery plans?
My planned delivery is on 6 February, that is day after tomorrow. I will go to work tomorrow and Finish up some tasks and hand over. I will be taken to theatre the following day in the evening. My operation is scheduled for 7.00 a.m. but it is subject to a reschedule, depending on how prepared I will be feeling at that time.
What is your pregnancy experience?
I am already thirty-eight weeks and my pregnancy has progressed well, except that when I was seven months I experienced hip pains, known as pressure pains. I went for examination and the doctor told me that the baby was pressing on my pelvis. I was advised to have three day of bed rest. Having to stay in the house proved boring. However, the rest helped and the pains disappeared completely.
How about your very first pregnancy
During my first pregnancy I was diagnosed with low haemoglobin. Nevertheless I was given medication and recovered. This time round I am very cautious. I was put on Calcium and Iron tablets right from the time I found I had conceived. During the first two months these supplements tasted awful, but I later got accustomed to them.
Any sex preference?
I do not mind any sex. I got the sex I wanted the first time- a boy. Even my husband tells me it is not wise to check the sex lest I get disappointed. Any will do!
* Trial of scar is an attempt to have a vaginal delivery when the previous delivery was by C-section. It is a carefully monitored process which if unsuccessful leads to an emergency C-section.
** Elective C-section is one that is pre-planned because of the existence of certain risk factors if the delivery were to be natural. There are however some women who request to haven C-section for other reason such as fear of labour pains.
*** Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
END:PG12/24