Epidural or Spinal?

colonialbride · April 2012

For those of you who have had both, which one did you prefer? Were they about the same??

lite-bright · April 2012

I preferred the epi. I had one with my first, a vaginal birth; and the biggest downside for me was how much of a PITA it was when it came time to peel off all the stuff they had taped to my back. Mine was really light, though; I could move around, change positions, and walk almost immediately after birth. Obviously that level of medication wouldn't work for a c/s.

I had a spinal for my c/s with DD2. On one hand, it was much quicker and easier to get -- a quick shot and that was it. It made me feel all warm and cozy in the cold OR, which was also nice. But it took much longer to wear off, and for the first 24 hours I had on-and-off nausea. Worrying about throwing up right after a c/s was not fun. :P

lovehim05 · April 2012

Epi took longer to work (about 30 min) and Spinal was within seconds. But spinal made me sooooo out of it for like 12 hours. In saying that, with the epi they were able to adjust the anathesia because I started throwing up during c/section and they were able to fix that within seconds. I dont think they can do that with a spinal.

JenJH923 · April 2012

I had an epidural during my induction. I thought it was amazing. THEN- I got the spinal before the c-section... now that was amazing. I liked the spinal because I was super duper numb and I felt more comfortable with that since I knew I was about to have surgery. It also lasted for quite a while after the c-section, which I was happy about because I didn't want to have to take IV pain meds.

HarrietNJMommy · April 2012

I was scheduled c-section all 3 times (and will be this time) and you don't get a choice. They will only give a spinal block for a scheduled c-section........I did fine with all 3, but the spinal block lasts for 24 hours, so it fades much slower.........

Rachel.lilly · April 2012

I had an epi with the intentions of having a vaginal delivery. They had to take him by emergency csection and I was uncomfortable and worried that I would feel it b/c I could still feel my feet and my legs were tingly. (my pelvis area was numb). When they took me to the OR they took out my epi and put in a spinal. I much preferred the spinal. With the epi I could still feel very intense pressure and in turn was unintentionally pushing. With the spinal, I was completely numb from "nipples to toes" (is what the dr said). When they put in the spinal, they quickly laid me down and I got really cold and they put me warm blankets on me. The dr told me it was common to feel nauseous during the csection so i asked for something for that before we started. They told me to let them know if I was still feeling nauseous because during surgery it could be b/c of your blood pressure and they use a different medication for that. After they pulled DS out I was given something to help me relax and I ended up falling asleep on the operating table. I was exhausted after 27 hours and 18 minutes of labor and finally not feeling pain and pressure; I was out!

appylovee · April 2012

They only do spinals for a planned c section. I was complely numb. It took about 4 hours in recovery before I could move my legs & wiggle my toes. They brought me to see my son in the nicu, and then to my room. I was up and walking around ( to the bathroom, had a pad mishap) that night.

mandapie · April 2012

My med plan for my first birth was for a spinal anyway and ended up with an emergency c/s so it worked out. From what PP say I'm glad there's no choice for a scheduled c/s b/c I would hands down choose that again in a heartbeat!!

I know everyone is different and not to freak you out... my DH SIL had an epi and then was rushed in for a c/s, however her epi wasn't effective on her right side so she had to be sedated and intubated and her DH (my BIL) couldn't even be in the OR for the birth b/c of the sedation b/c once you get an epi, you can't have a spinal.

They must be able to control the meds in a spinal b/c they told me that I could have (the first time) meds to keep the edge off and then a small amt of meds in the spinal when it was close to time to push. But I'm assuming that's before the administer it and they're not going to mess around if they're going to cut you open.

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