ok im 40 weeks and I go in on the 10th for my c section!I am so excited but Im soooo scared does a spinal hurt

Question

i just wanna know if it hurtsmore to get a spinal or an epadural can someone help:?

Answer 1

An epidural and a spinal are essentially the same thing, the only difference is where they are placed in your back. An epidural goes into your epidural space where as a spinal goes into the spine. The procedures and pain are the exact same (feels like a bee sting because they freeze the area first)
If you are having a scheduled c-section they will do the spinal as it gives a higher block, so you are numb higher up.

Good luck

Answer 2

I had to get a Spinal because I have Scoliosis in my spine - it stung a little -but mostly I felt a strong Burning sensation for about 2 minutes then the Numbing came over me and I didn't felt the slight pain in my back anymore
But the only problem I had was because of my curved spine the Spinal numbing my butt instead of my stomache at first - it took a while to hit my tummy - so I felt a little of the Laser on my stomache -but that (to my suprise) didn't really hurt either ( cause I was only partially numb) It just felt like someone was Scratching my tummy really hard with sharp finger nails - so it really wasn't that bad
another thing you may notice is that you may feel your stomache muscles twitching ( I did ) it was more annoying than anything
It kinda felt like I was wearing one of those electronic workout belts on super-speed - LOL !!!!
Other than that it was all done pretty quickly
my daughter was born 30 minutes after my spinal was administered - and everything I went through was totally worth it

She was perfect

Good Luck, Dont worry and Congratualations on your baby

Answer 3

I had a spinal and it didn't hurt more than just like a hard pinch. It was worse being nervous and waiting for it.

I had a little bit of a reaction to it, as it made my face itch like crazy and I had the shakes really bad. They put some antihistamine and some muscle relaxant in through my IV and the side effects wore off pretty quickly.

Later on though, my arm and shoulder hurt. A nurse told me that that was a common complaint after a c-section, just so you are aware of that, too. Something about the way they have you lie on the table can cause it.

Congratulations on your new baby!

Answer 4

I had watched tons of Special Delivery and Birth Stories and other tv shows while preggers, and totally expected my spinal to be administered while holding hands with my husband and a sympathetic nurse. As it turned out, I was sprawled naked over a cold metal table, with no one I knew in sight.

The spinal did not hurt at all. I had been dreading it for --literally-- months, cuz I'm terrified of needles, but the anesthetist was very good, and I didn't feel a thing.

However, I was unprepared for the questions after the spinal was administered. The anesthetist poked me with some metal instrument, higher and higher on my legs as the spinal started to take effect, asking me if I felt his poking. I was scared that if I didn't answer correctly, that I would actually feel them cutting into me. (Don't worry, you won't!!!) Just be extra-truthful when answering his questions. And your anesthetist will be in charge of giving you all sorts of other yummy drugs while you're on the table, so be nice to him! If possible, ask for an extra shot of FENTANYL. Sigh.... I was FLYIN'!!!!

All in all, a very disconcerting experience, but not painful. Please don't worry too much about the spinal. It's really not a big deal unless you let it be. Besides, nothing will compare to the agony of trying to take your first PEE after the whole thing's over with. You'll see!

Good luck!!!!

Answer 5

I labored until 8 cm dialated then had a c-section. I THINK the two types of of sedation are administered the same, just different medication. Getting the needle inserted is uncomfortable but as soon as it is done, the meds take over anyway. Insist you have a doctor start the sedation -NOT a med student. Despite reassurance from the nurses, etc, insist on the doctor doing it. You will feel a lot safer and they've done it a zillion times versus less than a dozen.

Be brave, have your hubby or whoever there to hold your hand then enjoy your little blessing.

Answer 6

I had both, They did not hurt that bad you just have to lay still but there are people holding you to insure that you don't move. If they give you a spinal, you can not raise your head up over your heart for so many hours or you will go home with a splitting headache (I know from experience)

When you go in tell them that you are afraid that you might move and they will assure that you don't.

Good luck and congratulations on the baby.

Answer 7

Well of course it hurts but so does childbirth. I had a spinal with my first one and I honestly didn't think it was that bad. I was having terrible back labor and they gave me that and staydal. But to be honest I can't tell you what it feels like to get it without already being in pain and being ot the point to where they could have done about anything to me and I would have not known the difference. But I did enjoy the relief.

Answer 8

Good luck and congrats...The 10th is my son's 2nd b-day! My son was an emergency c-section. They were in the middle of giving me the epidural when my water broke and they had to knock me out because my son's heart stopped so I am not sure how it would have worked, but I can tell the after being in labor for several hours getting the needle in my back was not that bad.

Answer 9

I guess its different for everyone. Just depends on your pain tolerence. I was a big baby about it. This will be my 3rd time to get one coming this Nov. There's alot of pressure involved and a very unnatural feeling when they thread it in. To me it was the most uncomfortable thing about the whole c-section procedure just b/c for some ppl. it leaves you with weird side effects such as nausea, headaches, body tremors (kinda like the chills but worse) and my legs wouldnt stop moving.(rls) BUT the good thing about it is they have drugs on hand to fix all of that, just let them know. Good luck!

Answer 10

I was against getting an epidural until they decided to induce me. The thought scared me to death. It really is not that bad though. Just a prick like going to the dentist and getting a Novocaine shot. When the doctor threads the tube, you really don't feel it, until he hits the epidural space. Then you feel a little electric shock and that's it.