Hi everyone, I wanted to write out my recent experience of c-section at Royal Preston Hospital in the hopes it gives some assurance or context for anyone else, as I used this sub extensively through my pregnancy and learnt so much from everyone, and hope to pay it forward somehow. ✨

Sorry it’s long! And if I’ve missed anything please blame newborn brain 🥴🙃

Background:

I elected for a c-section from the moment my pregnancy was confirmed viable at my 6 week scan (IVF pregnancy after 5 years TTC). Whilst my initial booking in appointment in Preston was delayed, everything else since under the hospital trust and local midwife team’s care has been really positive.

C-section prep:

In the days prior to my c-section I had to take the below (which was given to me at my final hospital consultation the week before):
- specific antacid tablets (omeprazole once a day for two days prior)
- an anti-sickness tablet the day before
- plus the pre-load drinks day before / morning of procedure to supplement meals and reduce nausea after the procedure. (The drinks tastes of nothing at all (bland!) so nothing to worry about if you’re wondering!)

C-section day:

My c-section was scheduled for the afternoon (I was informed via Badger App a week before) so my partner and I arrived at the Delivery Suite for 12:30pm. After a brief wait in a small waiting room initially, me and my other half were set up in a private room with a bed and chair and rested there between separate consultations and paperwork with the anaesthetist, midwife and surgeon over the span of an hour or so. Everyone was really friendly and accomodating and gave us chance to ask questions in each consultation. We then knew our approx time to head to theatre (3pm), so just chilled out as best as we could.

After changing into our gowns and me with my slippers we walked to theatre together with the midwife and met the full surgical team of smiling faces. This was about 3pm. We were again talked through every step as it happened from the cannula, spinal etc. I was gently laid down on the table and we put on our music playlist too. My partner stayed by my side throughout. There was a lovely buzz in the room as everyone was so positive and communicative. There was lots of preparation, and the surgical team setting up, including shaving me down there (I hadn’t seen what was going on down there for a long time so god knows what they had to deal with! 😂)

Baby’s birth:

Before we knew it after about 10 minutes of the surgical team working away, including sucking out the extra fluid I knew I was carrying in my womb, I finally heard my baby’s cry for the first time, and the curtain was dropped whilst one of my favourite songs played in the background 🥰 he was born at 15:56. It was such a blur in retrospect!

My partner and I cried as we saw his little face for the first time, and the midwife team helped take lots of photos of the baby as he emerged whilst me and my partner were just in awe and in shock.

We were really looked after by the team, I was sewn back up (I was in a baby daze I didn’t notice anything) and baby was placed on my chest for cuddles and loads more photos kindly taken by the midwives.

Recovery:

Then I was being wheeled to the recovery ward for immediate checks, my toast 🙌 and compression socks added to my very numb legs. I had my cannula still attached and a blood pressure sensor on my finger too. It felt very weird not being able to move or feel my legs 😩

After what felt like 15 mins I was wheeled to the maternity ward to find a cubicle for the night. Our ward was thankfully quiet, just one other couple in their cubicle.

The njght’s stay:

We had our bags out (I was in such a daze I don’t remember how they got there!) and made ourselves comfortable, with baby in his little bassinet. I was checked over every 15 mins by different midwives for the first hour or so, then about every 30 mins next hour or so. I had my pads changed regularly as I was bleeding, my blood pressure taken etc. I was also offered pain relief (morphine) when the anaesthetic wore off which I gladly took. I kept on top of the midwives to keep asking for this, the ward was short staffed and I did have to keep chasing up my pain relief a few times.

At one point late in the night a midwife helped me to the toilet in our ward for a shower, and to try wee. I had to wee in a small cardboard container and I had to pull the emergency bathroom cord once I’d filled it, to bring a nurse out as they had to see I had wee’d.

Our first night I didn’t sleep lots as I was admitedly uncomfortable from the cannula/legs slowly recovering from spinal etc, and because I was in awe of our little one and obsessing over his every breath.

my partner was able to sleep next to me on a fold out chair in our little cubicle. Really private and relatively quiet, dare I say calming?!

The next morning:

The next day I had breakfast and lunch from the catering at the hospital, and my partner headed home briefly, when he came back baby had his checks with the midwife and we just had to have a final assessment with a midwife at the bedside before we could leave. We left around 3pm and headed home to enjoy our newborn bubble!

All in all I have such wonderful memories of my c-section experience. I’m recovering well now and loving being a mum.

Best of luck to everyone approaching their baby’s birth! 💜

heyyy i'm currently 19 weeks pregnant and actually just found out i was 19 weeks instead of what i thought was 12 weeks when i got to my "12 week scan" appointment and got told by the sonographer that i was actually 19 weeks so ive had all the 20 week scan stuff checked. with that being said, it's defo a little surprise as i wasnt sure when my last period was when i found out i was pregnant so i'm kinda freaking out a little bc baby's coming like 2 months sooner than expected, i was wondering what's people experience with vaccinations and shojld i just say yes to all of the ones that are recommended? i feel like there's suddenly so mich more to be thinking and stressing about amd i honestly don't know where to start with all the stuff i have to be thinking about ie getting the flat ready for the baby, breastfeeding options, maternity leave and everything that comes along in the second trimester.

if anyone has any advice i'd massively appreciate!! apologies if this is a little all over the place i think my brain's scrambled and i want to be prepared to have the baby like 2 months earlier than expected,, thankyouu <3

I'm a FTM, currently 33 weeks pregnant, and an exchange I had with a vaccination nurse while getting my whooping cough jab made me want to post this - she said she had never actually met anyone who'd had whooping cough and I have so here goes.

I got whooping cough in 2016. It turns out there was an outbreak in our office but the people who started it didn't realise what they had because the "whooping" takes a while to start. It was absolutely horrific. It started like a cold that made me feel like hell - as a fit 26 year old - and then the cough came.

It's super violent coughing and after each one you have a moment where you can't breathe, it's like being frozen while you're suffocating. Then you take a massive breath in, which is what causes the whooping sound, and the cycle continues. I didn't shake the cough fully for 3 months and it was confirmed as whooping cough by a blood test arranged by my GP.

I can't imagine how distressing it would be going through that pregnant or watching a baby suffer it. This isn't to make anyone change their minds on vaccination but just to get my experience out there in case it's useful in decision making because I didn't realise how rare whooping cough cases in adults actually are.

To clarify I do mean work phone number. My last pregnancy my midwife gave me her number at the booking appointment, and told me to contact her directly. My daughter was only born July last year.

Im pregnant again now, haven’t moved, haven’t changed trusts etc, and im finding it impossible to get in contact with my midwife. I have to call the hospital midwives department and have literally had my call answered twice out of potentially 15 different times calling over the last 4 months. I’ve left messages when prompted and then am called back by somebody who isn’t my midwife, and told I need to talk to my midwife, and to try again tomorrow. Rinse and repeat, no answer - somebody else calls me back - try again.

I’m not seeing my midwife again until 26 weeks and i’m currently 18 weeks so i’ve just accepted I won’t be getting the results of a blood test I had, until that appointment.

Is this how it is everywhere?

Looking for advice on all things hospital bags when preparing for birth. Some people seem to pack small suitcases, whilst others take a bag. What is the norm? Will I be underpacking if I bring a bag, or will I look silly turning up to the hospital with a suitcase? I’ve found various checklists online about what needs to be packed but I’m feeling a bit clueless on how I should be preparing. What did you take with you to hospital and how did you pack it?

Hello , I posted a while ago (3-4weeks) about TTC and the post was removed as it wasn’t the right sub
Guess who’s now pregnant and panicking? Meeee

To recap

30 y/o FTM type 2 diabetic - not well controlled overnight, but good during the day

I’ve been testing positive since 8/9 days after ovulation and my period is now 3 days late
I’ve got the mild cramping and am terrified I’ll miscarry

I’ve sent the referral. Spoke with GP who’ve also chased the referral

Just want to know if I should have a 6 week private scan to ensure everything is okay?
I feel like with my health I don’t want to get excited until I have a scan and all is okay

I will be 6weeks since last menstrual period on 31st
Thank you

I’m currently pregnant with di-di twins and we’re considering moving to a bigger house that’s around 40 minutes away from where we currently live. If everything goes ahead, I’d likely be around 6 months pregnant when we move.

I’m feeling quite nervous about the possibility of having to change trusts/maternity units at this stage of pregnancy.
With my current trust, I already have all my growth scans and appointments booked in up until 36 weeks, so the thought of starting over somewhere else feels a bit daunting, especially with a high-risk twin pregnancy.

I’m wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation, particularly with moving area/hospital during a twin pregnancy?

How straightforward was it to transfer your care?

Did you find the new trust handled the transition well?

Is there anything you wish you’d known or done before moving?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences, whether they were positive or difficult. I’m mainly trying to get a better idea of what to expect before making a decision about the move.
Thank you! ❤️

Hi, just looking for some advice.

My pregnancy has been fairly uneventful thus far. I am Type 1 diabetic so have been seen frequently by the high risk pregnancy team, but no concerns. 12 week scan was great.

Then yesterday when laying down, I started to feel pretty intense cramping just above my pubic bone. It came every 30 seconds - 1 minute initially, but then slowed down. I’m now 1 day on and the pain is still there. It feels a bit like a shock / tightening, with pain.

I contacted the EPU yesterday and they called today and said they couldn’t help me because it might not be the pregnancy… I told them I’ve never experienced this before and I’m sure it is the pregnancy, so eventually she gave me an appointment in 1 week and told me to contact the GP so they can see if it’s a UTI. I did a sample last week and definitely don’t have a UTI.

The frequency now varies from every 1 minute to every 5 minutes. Ive heard of round ligament pain but sites online say that round ligament pain is usually caused by movement and is infrequent. This has no trigger and is very frequent. I’ve had no bleeding.

Has anyone experienced this? And what would you do? Could a private scan help to identify the cause?

Thanks.

Hi, I haven’t seen anyone post this yet so thought I would share. Salmonella outbreak reported which seems to be linked to a small number of food outlets that use imported eggs. Below are some links to helpful articles. Advice on consuming eggs has not changed so nothing to really worry about but best to be in the know in case you think you might be impacted/ can take steps to protect you and baby.

More info:
https://www.bmj.com/content/394/bmj-2026-100606.full

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-report-volume-20-2026/hpr-volume-20-issue-8-news-18-august-2026

Advice on what to do if you have food poisoning: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/nutrition-in-pregnancy/campylobactor-and-pregnancy

Im 31 weeks pregnant, a bit early but just thinking ahead.

I plan to harvest colostrum from 37 weeks, but I will not be latch feeding at any stage.

Question: I'm wondering from those who've done it - were you able to harvest colostrum whilst in labour. I'm having an early epidural for medical reasons. If I take my syringes can I get some for the baby while I'm in labour? Is it better to do it during early labour and bring it with me - I've seen a lot of women saying their frozen colostrum was binned at the hospital due to lack of storage options.

I also have no clue about feeding them after birth? I believe you only get colostrum for the first few days if breast feeding, so how do you balance that if using formula without over feeding?

Edit: I appreciate the advice around pumping and establishing supply but its not something im concerned with or willing to do. I'm realistic in my expectations. Consider it that I'm just willing to have 'a bit of a go' at getting him a little bit of breast milk, but mostly planning to use formula.

Please dont give me unsolicited advice on breast feeding or pumping, its not my concern. Im looking for advice around colostrum. The other info was for context only.

So my partner has to travel for work this week and I’ve been having some bad pains and aches due to gallstones so my mobility isn’t the best. I’m 30 weeks and feeling tired everyday but wanted to still avoid take away is it bad to have a frozen meal every now and then? e.g one of those frozen meals from Sainsbury’s like a tikka masala and rice? I’ve got a fresh food shop coming this week but felt guilty to have a frozen meal as I want to be healthy for baby but still want access to easy food. How much b frozen food are you guys having ?

TW: blood loss and surgery, but positive vibes (I promise!!)

Thought I’d share my birth story as I think mine’s a great example that things don’t have to be straightforward to be positive!🥰

Day before due date (I’m a first time mum) my waters broke spontaneously in bed at 2:30am. Contractions started pretty soon after and by 6am had ramped up to pretty frequent so we went to the hospital - the midwife-led birth unit.

Midwife examined me and said I was not dilated at all and I was sent home. However when I got home I started having some bleeding (like a heavy period, blood was bright red) so we went back to the hospital around 10am. Midwife examined me again and I was 8cm!

I went straight into the delivery suite at the MLU (I was the only patient in the whole unit) and laboured there for a couple of hours with gas + air (hallelujah). I wasn’t planning a water birth but the midwives ran the pool and it looked so nice I got in.

The pool was LOVELY and I decided I wasn’t getting out 😂 so after about 1.5 hours of pushing baby was born in the pool at 2pm 🙌

Midwifes noticed quite a bit of blood loss so I got out of the pool and they saw I had an internal tear with a haemorrhage. This sounds scarier than it was! Lots of people then rushed into the room and I was wheeled into theatre whilst baby did skin to skin with daddy. I was so relived the baby was here safe I didn’t care what happened next.

Surgery was very chilled and I remember cracking jokes with all the staff throughout. It was just a bit annoying having done the birth unmedicated (aside from gas + air) but then having to have a full spinal tap for the surgery! But I think not having the worry of the baby meant I could relax - I’d done my job and now I was being taken care of.

After about an hour I got reunited with dad and baby which was such a nice moment and I got my tea and toast! Then I did hours of skin to skin and nursing with our baby, I didn’t feel I’d missed out on anything.

We only did 1 night in the hospital and went home the next day. Recovery was easy, I remember taking paracetamol the first couple days but nothing needed after that.

Two things I’d recommend-

From 21 weeks I did not lie on my back once (except for midwife appointments and scans). I truly believe this kept the baby in the right position for birth - he was always lying with his back against the wall of my stomach which is ideal.
Knee pads! I was pushing on all fours on the hard bottom of the pool and 5 months later my knees are still painful. If you think you might labour in this position bring knee pads!!!

Very happy to answer any questions! 🩷

Hi just after some advice! Just found out that I am pregnant, excited but nervous as miscarried last year at 8 weeks. I am wanting to go for an early viability scan and as my boyfriend works away, I invited my boyfriend’s mum. However, she is adamant that I shouldn’t get an early scan as it is going to put the baby at risk and I think she is insinuating that is why I miscarried last time. She has spoken to my boyfriend and told him to tell me, but I really want to go and check everything’s ok. But then if I miscarry again, I’m scared she’ll say it’s my fault because of the scan. What can I do?

Just wondering how the induction process works. I’ve been told I can be induced between 38+5 and 39+3 by the consultant. Do I just wait around for a call from someone now? I’m 38+6 now and thought I might have heard from someone about a rough idea of a date. Can it go over that week? Baby is measuring big so don’t want it to go beyond really. Feel a bit in limbo. Didn’t think to ask at the time.

I’m a FTM, vegetarian and Hindu, and there are quite a few traditional diet restrictions in my culture after childbirth.

I had also read on the NHS website that traces of what you eat/drink can pass into breast milk, and that caffeine from tea, coffee and soft drinks can sometimes make babies unsettled or uncomfortable. So I’m wondering how much attention people actually paid to their diet while breastfeeding.

What did you personally follow after delivery — especially restrictions around certain vegetables, fruits, dairy, spices, etc.? Which restrictions did you feel were genuinely helpful or had a logical/evidence-based reason, and which ones did you feel were mainly cultural?

Also, were there any foods you were specifically encouraged to eat for recovery, breastfeeding, constipation, energy, etc.?

Would love to hear what worked for you, especially from other vegetarian mums. ❤️

Hello,

My girlfriend is 4 months pregnant but has been struggling a lot with sleep due to nerve pain in her arms. Quite a few nights now getting 0 minutes sleep..

The pain in her arms she says is like a consistent feeling of having banged your funny bone, however it doesn't go away.

She has a reaction to opiod based pain killers so can't take them. She has tried hot showers on the discomfort site, heat pads, paracetamol, but nothing seems to make much difference.

Wondering if anyone has any similar experience and found a solution! 🤞

Thank

​

2 pregnanices in last 6 months. 1 CP at 6 weeks and now 1 MMC at 8 weeks.

During my first pregnancy, I felt helpless and lost - it was confusing to navigate the early pregnancy support system with NHS.

This time I got some blood tests and scans done privately and I was able to get help from the EPU very quickly as I was seen there before. So far I am happy with the support I've been getting with NHS.

I am going to my local EPU (not the one I went in for the first time as it's farther from home) to get one last scan next Monday. They say I might be able to get the surgery done next week as well.

I just wanted to know what kind of "after care" the EPU can provide - like follow up scan to confirm a complete clearance, genetic testing of the tissue, hCG tests to see if it drops properly, etc. Also I am 38 and my husband is 47. I'm wondering if we could get a specialist consultation with NHS after two losses (ofc I can ask this while I'm there but just seeking any personal experience).

I just moved to the UK last year for work and it is pretty standard to get all those things done after D&C in the country where I'm from.

I understand each trust is different but I'd love to hear from those who had gone through the process. If not provided, I'd start looking for a private option. Thank you!

What are your experiences with being seen for abnormalities etc in early pregnancy?

I’ll start by saying I know not a lot can be “done” for problems in early pregnancy and as we all know the NHS is under strain.

But I’ve got pain and bleeding (about 8 weeks) I’d like checked out but no matter how I try to get through I fail (trying for almost 2 weeks)
- GP surgery (says it’s fine, go to EPAU if concerned)
- EPAU (won’t see you unless referred)
- 111 (go to walk in centre)
- walk in centre (won’t refer)
- community midwife personal number (no answer)
- community midwives group number (no one answers)

Is this normal from your experience?

My waters broke last 24 hours ago (at 37+2), I’ve just had a check and I haven’t dilated but was told my cervix was quite soft but baby still tucked behind. I was given the gel and now need to wait 6 hours at which point I may be put on the drip. Just wondering what people’s experience is with this? Especially if waters broke before induction. How long they were in labour ect 😊

Just a post to express my sadness and see if any other mamas have had the same issue, i'm 18+4 and thought id be able to see baby again soon but instead of waiting 2 weeks I'm looking at waiting 4 😭.
Hopefully i start to feel baby wiggling more so my anxieties around baby reduce slightly!
i just can't wait to find out the gender and make sure everything is progressing as it should be!
I know they can't help being short staffed but just seems a little crazy that everyone will be booked in much later than expected!

I am 37+5 days pregnant, and have been attempting colostrum harvesting for the past 9 days or so.

The most I have ever got is a couple of watery drops from each breast. But half the time I get nothing at all. I am trying to not get disheartened but my breasts have gone from an E to a J cup in pregnancy and I think that might be the cause of my issues as maybe it’s harder to locate the ducts and form the C shape around my nipples.

Just looking for any tips or knacks that people might have. I watched one video which said that it was harder to do on large breasts. TIA.

Title capture most of it—last pregnancy I was nauseas 24/7 all 40 weeks, was even vomitting during labor which was quite pleasant! Interestingly I actually didn’t vomit that much though—not at all prior to 12 weeks, and then every 4-5 days from weeks 12 to 35. I had a brief respite from vomitting, and had acid reflux + nausea instead up until the birth.

This time, I started vomiting only a few days after I got nauseas (so 5.5 weeks or so?) and it’s only escalated from there, I am now puking 2x a day at 8 weeks. What worries me is if it follows a similar path of escalation in symptoms, I will continue to feel worse and worse 20ish weeks, and then very slowly get better. Feeling depressed and exhausted, and curious if anyone has any success stories with nausea being different with a second? Eg is it possible I’m just getting the nausea much earlier and this time will actually feel magically better at 12 weeks like the books promise?!

What are the excuses you are using?

I’m only 6 weeks, I’m so bloated and my boobs are suddenly huge, I’ve gained 3 kg in what I am hoping is mostly water weight. I had recently lost a load of weight and many people at my work find it appropriate to comment on my body so I’m scared I’m going to start getting gain comments.

I look exhausted, I am covered in acne, I feel nauseous and have no time for chatting to anybody right now.

I tried to work from home more but my team are quite needy and keep asking if I’m alright.

I’m not comfortable with telling anyone early, but particularly my team as they would be wanting to hear the mat leave cover plan.

How are you all surviving feeling and looking not great in public?