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C-sections
Angel5218
member
Connor - 12/15/10 Abby - EDD 11/29/13
epidural vs spinal block?
Angel5218
member
in C-sections
I apologize if this has been brought up before, I don't get a lot of time to browse the forums...
I am having my second c-section in 13 days (or sooner since I am starting to get some contractions). My first was an emergency and I already had an epidural b/c it was an induction and the pit contractions were very painful. This time the doc said they would just give me a spinal block and put some pain meds in on top of it...the block would last around 4hrs and the pain meds 24hrs.
He says the spinal is a smaller needle and overall an easier way to numb me. I am always scared about the idea of getting anything stuck in my spine and wanted to know if its basically the same as an epidural (along with the same risks). I know my SIL almost passed out during her epidural b/c her blood pressure dropped and my friend had it back up into her chest b/c they laid her down too soon and she could not feel herself breathing (that one scares me the most).
I don't know anything about blocks and was just curious if there was any real difference.
Sorry if this post sounds a bit spacy, I haven't slept in a few days (due to these contractions....if only they would either stop or start getting close enough together to warrant going in)
I am having my second c-section in 13 days (or sooner since I am starting to get some contractions). My first was an emergency and I already had an epidural b/c it was an induction and the pit contractions were very painful. This time the doc said they would just give me a spinal block and put some pain meds in on top of it...the block would last around 4hrs and the pain meds 24hrs.
He says the spinal is a smaller needle and overall an easier way to numb me. I am always scared about the idea of getting anything stuck in my spine and wanted to know if its basically the same as an epidural (along with the same risks). I know my SIL almost passed out during her epidural b/c her blood pressure dropped and my friend had it back up into her chest b/c they laid her down too soon and she could not feel herself breathing (that one scares me the most).
I don't know anything about blocks and was just curious if there was any real difference.
Sorry if this post sounds a bit spacy, I haven't slept in a few days (due to these contractions....if only they would either stop or start getting close enough together to warrant going in)
Connor - 12/15/10 Abby - EDD 11/29/13
This discussion has been closed.
Re: epidural vs spinal block?
It is a single injection by needle (iirc), whereas the epidural is a catheter that remains in place for an extended period of time and the medication is delivered through the catheter.
I assume they know what is best, I just never had any experience with the block. Sounds like the experience will be very similar to the epidural.
Connor - 12/15/10 Abby - EDD 11/29/13
Be aware that the numbness can go up into your chest. My first spinal was done because they were turning the baby and since I was already over due they gave my a spinal so they could go right into the c section if they were unable to turn the baby. At some point I felt the need to cough and was unable to because those muscles were relaxed. I then started panicking a little feeling like I could breathe. And as a result if my panicking and the pressure of the baby i ended up with low blood pressure issues. I think if I had known ahead of time it might feel like i couldnt breathe and that you could be numb that far up i would have been ok. Also during the first spinal I really wanted to move my legs and I was also kind if panicky that I couldn't.
My second spinal was the next day because the baby had turned itself breech again. Honestly when I found out I had to have a c section I had a melt down and part of it was because I didn't want the spinal. They said it wouldn't be as bad because the pressure of the baby wasn't there for that long. I have to say it was better sort of knowing what to expect. Although the second time I threw up and there again those muscles were all relax so it was very bizarre and hard to throw up.
The actual pain of getting the spinal wasn't bad. The numbing shot was like a bee sting.
A spinal headache can occur with either epidural or spinal anesthesia, or just a simple lumbar puncture. The risk is lowest with a spinal because it's the smallest needle and the quickest procedure. Also, blood pressure dropping is common with both types. Really, they are very safe procedures, and most people have no complications from either type. Much safer than general anesthesia. Good luck with your c/s, OP.
Its crazy b/c last time I had no time to worry about these things, but with a planned c-section I am freaking out about every aspect of it. I had a NST done Monday and my LO is still breech (head and feet up, butt down) so even if I go into natural labor the vbac is out (I wasn't wanting a vbac but agreed that if I went into labor prior to my date and everything looked good I would try).
Just 6 days to go. Thanks again for the info!
Connor - 12/15/10 Abby - EDD 11/29/13
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The bolded is completely wrong. The spinal does not enter the spinal cord. It is injected into the spinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. blockquote>
ack. Yep, I misspoke. I don't have any information about the placement along the length of the cord, though.