Anesthesia for Cesarean Sections 

Epidural, Spinal and General Anesthesia can be used for Cesarean deliveries. The proper choice of anesthetic depends upon your particular medical condition and, when possible, your preferences. Your anesthesiologist will discuss your options and suggest the safest method for you and your baby.

Spinal Anesthesia

Most commonly, a spinal anesthetic is recommended for Cesarean delivery. A spinal provides a rapid, dense numbness.

The spinal needle is much thinner than the epidural needle and is placed within the sac of fluid that bathes the spinal cord. A small amount of local anesthetic is administered through the needle and the numbness begins almost immediately. Side effects are similar to those experienced with epidural blocks. In addition, after a spinal anesthetic, it is not uncommon for the skin on your chest to feel heavy because it is numb. Although your breathing is normal, it may seem to be different because of the heavy sensation.

Epidural Anesthesia

If you already have an epidural anesthetic in place when you need a Cesarean Section, a stronger dose of medication can be given through the tubing to make you numb for surgery. Also, there are some medical conditions that make an epidural anesthetic more appropriate than a spinal anesthetic for Cesarean delivery. Your anesthesiologist will discuss those situations with you if your condition warrants.

General Anesthesia

General Anesthesia is used when regional anesthesia is not possible or is not the safest choice for your medical condition. It is usually reserved for emergency situations when your baby must be delivered rapidly. One of the most significant concerns during general anesthesia is whether there is food in the mother’s stomach. As you go off to sleep, “aspiration” could occur, meaning that some of the food from your stomach could come up and go into your lungs. If this occurs you could develop a serious pneumonia. Your anesthesiologist takes special precautions to protect your lungs.

It is best to remember that YOU SHOULD NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER YOUR LABOR PAIN BEGINS, regardless of your plans for delivery or pain control. Sometimes during labor, small sips of water, ice chips, or Popsicles are permissible with your anesthesiologists consent.

Can My Partner Be With Me During My C-Section ?

Your partner will be allowed in the room once your block has been placed and the Surgery is about to begin. During general anesthesia or emergent Cesarean deliveries, your partner will not be allowed in the room during the delivery. Your partner may be allowed in briefly to see the baby following delivery.