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Spinal Block vs Epidural

chrissyellenchrissyellen
in 2nd Trimester

I recently found out that my local (hillbilly) hospital doesn?t administer Epidurals on a ?normal? delivery basis. The reason being ? they are too small to hire an anesthesiologist fulltime. They do spinal blocks. I researched the difference and really, I only came up with the fact that spinal blocks only last 2 hours & they don?t numb, just take the pain away.

 

Does anyone have any experiences with a spinal block?

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Re: Spinal Block vs Epidural

  • mistresscoxmistresscox member
    No experience with a spinal block, but aren't hillbilly hospitals fun?  I'm planning on delivering in a really small hospital as well and it's crazy how much is just not even an option because of their size. 
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  • Mrs.TeddyMrs.Teddy member
    This sounds strange to me, not that I am questioning it BUT at our hospital the anesthesiologist administers both the epidural & the spinal block. The epidural is a catheter left in your back that is hooked up to a pump so you get a continuous infusion & can get extra boluses of medication is needed during labour, they do not "run out" They CAN make you feel numb, but this is often an initial side effect & wears off while you cannot feel pain you can feel pressure & touch. The spinal we only use for c-sections although I have seen them done once or twice for vaginal deliveries if you know it is going to be quick, such as if the women is fully and they need to attempt forceps etc. The spinal is a one time dose, it works VERY quickly much faster then the epidural & wears off in 2-4 hrs depending on the dose, pt, etc. You have NO control over you legs, which can make pushign difficult, usually with the epidural you can move your legs still. You will still feel touch & pressure as well. For example to test both of these I hold  bag of ice against my pt's sking they feel that i am touchign them but its not cold. I would talk to your DR about these options. Good Luck! 
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  • heatherlaneheatherlane member
    Wow...I didn't quote b/c it was so long, but I think I need to have Mrs. Teddy on speed dial...I am so fearful of the epidural b/c I know in rare cases it can cause complications. It's nice to have someone so well-informed giving advice!!! Thanks!
    Um, yeah. The Bump be too crazy for pics of my kid.
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  • DaisyAdairDaisyAdair

    That's good to know.....

    I had a terrible epidural experience and refused to even consider it with my 2nd and I'm terrified of a c-section because I do NOT want another epidural.  Good to know the ins and outs of the spinal because I flat out told my OB I would never, ever sign a form authorizing another epidural and, if she wanted to do a c-section, it would have to be under general.

    I wasn't sure about the big differences between the spinal and epi, so that was a great post!

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  • Mrs.TeddyMrs.Teddy member

    Haha Heather, thanks, if you can't tell I am a L&D nurse, I have an amazing job. I will give the best advice I can. I will tell you that every pt I have who is scared of the epidural but really doesn't want to go natural tells me afterwards that wasn't as bad as I thought OR I wish I would have got it sooner. THe worst part of the epidural is the freezing, which is bruning, just like at the dentist thefreezing you get to have a cavity filled, after that its just pressure & with the help of your nurse its not to hard to stay still as long as you get it early enough that you are still in control.

    *Disclaimer-I am not pushing epidurals on anyone, I am personally in favour as I believe it provides for a relaxing birth experience, however have had many pts go natural & do amazing with the right mind set & support system. I am a pt. advocate who supports my pts decisions. ALSO I am a nurse will gladly give opionions/advice based in ideal circumstances, everyones situation is different & speaking with your OWN docotor is not replaced as they know your personal history...haha thats a mouthful!

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  • DarcyLongfellowDarcyLongfellow member

    Mrs.Teddy pretty much said it all!

    I just wanted to add that I, too, thought that a spinal block was only used for c-sections.

    And no way in hell would I allow someone who was not an anesthesiologist do either an epidural or a spinal block on me.  I'm terrified enough of a trained professional putting something in my spine.  No way would I allow someone else to do it.

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Apparently the doll needed a time out... image
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  • chrissyellenchrissyellen

    imageMrs.Teddy:
    This sounds strange to me, not that I am questioning it BUT at our hospital the anesthesiologist administers both the epidural & the spinal block. The epidural is a catheter left in your back that is hooked up to a pump so you get a continuous infusion & can get extra boluses of medication is needed during labour, they do not "run out" They CAN make you feel numb, but this is often an initial side effect & wears off while you cannot feel pain you can feel pressure & touch. The spinal we only use for c-sections although I have seen them done once or twice for vaginal deliveries if you know it is going to be quick, such as if the women is fully and they need to attempt forceps etc. The spinal is a one time dose, it works VERY quickly much faster then the epidural & wears off in 2-4 hrs depending on the dose, pt, etc. You have NO control over you legs, which can make pushign difficult, usually with the epidural you can move your legs still. You will still feel touch & pressure as well. For example to test both of these I hold  bag of ice against my pt's sking they feel that i am touchign them but its not cold. I would talk to your DR about these options. Good Luck! 

    WOW Thank you very much. I work with a women who goes to the same family health as I do and she told me this is what her ob said on friady; I will have my own discussion mith my ob for sure!! thank you so much for the heads up! I love it!

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  • chrissyellenchrissyellen

    I am so scared about this hospital anyways - damn it now I am really freaked. Seattle is 2 hrs away - I might move back there at 8 months. :)

     Thanks ladies.

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