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C-sections
Boggymarsh
member
Spinal vs Epidural-question for ladies that have had both
Boggymarsh
member
in C-sections
I am schedules for a RCS on Thurs. With my first I had an epidural since it was not a scheduled c-section. This time I am having a spinal. Anesthesia scares me to begin with and since I haven't ever had a spinal I am getting really nervous. For anybody who has had both a spinal and an epidural can you tell me what the differences were for you and which you preferred.
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Re: Spinal vs Epidural-question for ladies that have had both
I felt the same way as you. I had an epidural with my first and was nervous about the spinal tap so I asked to talk to the anesthesiologist before my surgery. He explained that they are the same drug but the spinal tap uses about a tenth of the amount of the drug than the epidural. It is a shot instead of a tube as they know how exactly how long you need to be numb for. If you didn't have any issues with the epidural then I wouldn't worry but I would ask to speak to the anesthesiologist before hand if you are worried, It really put my mind at rest. Good luck!!
I was nervous about the spinal as well, but it ended up being fine - I didn't have any side effects. After my epi, the post op drugs they gave me made me sick, so the anesthesiologist I had with my spinal did a great job of asking me how I was feeling and made sure I didn't have any problems.
Malakai - 8.3.09
Ezra - 12.1.11 ASD
I had both at the same time. Well, had the epidural first since I was trying to deliver vaginally, but it wasn't working so well when it was time to have the c-section so they gave me the spinal.
With the epidural you can still move your legs and you have some feeling whereas with the spinal you're completely numb. I did have a unique complication from the spinal where they had to put me under because I couldn't breathe so I'm not sure if this is typical or not. But don't worry, both are safe.
I had an epidural for my first birth (vaginal) and a spinal for my c/s with DD2.
I preferred the epi. For me, really the only downside was that the massive amount of tape they use to stick everything to your back was a PITA when it had to be peeled off. I had no side effects, and although it did take two tries for it to "take", once it did, the relief was great.
The spinal took longer to take effect and was far stronger, and took quite awhile to wear off -- my epi was really light and I could still move around, change positions for pushing, walked shortly after birth, etc. Obviously for a c/s it would've had to be stronger. I had some intermittent nausea for about the first 24 hours after the spinal, which sucked to deal with, but it was never to the point that I actually threw up.
I was nervous about how well the spinal would work, but my anesthesiologist was really great. Once it took effect (which felt all tingly and warm, actually kind of pleasant in the cold OR) he took an alcohol wipe and wiped my forehead (which I could feel) and went up and down my chest/abdomen making little touches so that he (and I) could tell where the numbness started and stopped. It was very reassuring.
DD1, 1/5/2008 ~~~ DD2, 3/17/2010
I would take the Spinal any day over the Epidural. I had an epidural during my induction. Immediately after the epidural my blood pressure dropped significantly and DSs heart rate went from 135 to 60 in seconds. They ended up giving me oxygen and something to counteract the Epidural.
The next morning (about 7 hours later), I was given a Spinal since I was having an Emergency C/S (every time I contracted, his heart rate would drop (to around 95 or so).
I did not have any effects from the Spinal.
the spinal was awesome. Took effect super fast and was complete. My epi didn't take on one side and I needed a bunch of boluses. it wore off w/in 4-6 hours. I was up and in the bathroom on my own that evening.
ETA: My BP did drop from it and it felt difficult to breathe. I told the doctor and he put something in my IV to help. It helped immediately and the rest of the operation was fine.
I personally had a spinal with my c section, but here are the differences.
Usually similar medication is used for both. The spinal is an injection where the epidural is a catheter that is placed and the medicine infuses into it.
Both can cause low bloodpressure and this is usually resolved with IV fluids. The spinal is quicker and usually takes effect faster and that is why it is the likely choice for a c section.
Good luck!!
My epi made me completely numb, so it wasn't a big deal when they decided to do an emergency c/s. I did vomit quite a bit and then itched like crazy afterwards so when I went in to have my second baby we told the anesthesiologist right off. I was given antinausea meds via iv before the surgery was over and benadryl right off and then for the rest of the day until all the meds were out of my system. We'll do the same for this baby.
The spinal hit faster and didn't last as long, but overall, there wasn't a big difference for me.