What are pluses and minuses to epidural vs. spinal?

Question

I have to have a scheduled c-section and I wanted to know whether an epidural or spinal would be the better choice? I had an emergency c/s with my last baby, I don't remember what they gave me and I have to have a c/s with this one. Just wanted to know if anyone has any laymans advice about either option.

Answer 1

With my first (unplanned) c-sec I had an epidural which was great cause they left it in and gave me my pain medicine that way.
With my second (unplanned) c-sec I got an epidural but before they could get everyone together for the surgery I had wiggled too much and slid it out too far so they gave me a spinal.
With my third planned c-section I only had a spinal (which didn't take all the way so they had to knock me out).

I noticed no difference when they put them in. They both felt about like it does when they start an IV, and both are done pretty much the same way (you cramped over your big belly with a nurse holding your head down). I also noticed no difference with the after affects.

The only down fall with the spinal is they insert the medicine then take it out right away and then wait for it to work. If it doesn't work they can't re-dose you. If something happens and the surgery takes too long they can't re-dose you. You will have to be put under. But anesthesiologist still prefer the spinal cause it is more reliable and takes less time to work than an epidural.

I think unless you ask otherwise they will give you a spinal. I think the only reason I got the first two epidurals was because I was in labor and no surgery was scheduled so they were able to leave the epidural in to relive the pain till the surgery was put together.

Congrats and good luck

Answer 2

Spinal is faster acting than an epidural as you are numb a few minutes or less after it is in. With spinal you are more numb as medication is injected directly into the spinal canal. with an epidural its injected into the epidural space which surrounds the spinal canal and dulls the nerves.
I believe most hospitals use spinals for scheduled cesareans because they are faster and work better.

Answer 3

There will be more overall numbness with the spinal, but if you have to have another emergency c-section then the type of anesthesia will probably not be up to you. Almost always they go with the spinal, but it all depends on the hospital's policy.

Answer 4

I've had three C-sections and I had the Spinal for all three, when you have an epideral there is a chance of it not numbing the whole area, and I don't know about you, but I didn't want to take that chance.

Answer 5

I had my little woman ordinary, and I plan to do the identical with the little one I am wearing now. After I had my little woman I acquired to stroll to my room, I took a bath the following day by myself, and went house an afternoon previous. When I acquired house I did not lay round at the sofa for the reason that I used to be nonetheless in agony. I acquired to experience being a brand new mother. I might attempt to cross ordinary relying at the period of time you're in exertions. I'm certain if I used to be in exertions for 12-20 hrs I might ask for an epidural. Good good fortune and wish the whole lot is going good for you.

Answer 6

You usually don't have a choice - they essentially always give the spinal, because it is more complete relief, because the medication goes into a different layer of th spinal tissue, making you more numb.

Answer 7

I was knocked out with general for my c-section. My second was a VBAC and I had an epidural and it was twonderful. My mother had spinals and had severe headaches after she had hers.

Answer 8

i had a spinal on my first. it didnt last very long. id go with the epidural.