Spinal or Epidural Anaesthetic for Caesar ???

[Kaz240]

This is my first baby and I am just wondering what form of anaesthetic (sp!!) you may have had for your Caesar and how well it was tolerated.

I have been told that because I have MS (multiple sclerosis) it is best that I have an epidural :fingerscrossed: and not a spinal (something to do with CNS).

How does the epidural work ??? I will be asking my o/b but that's not for weeks yet.

Thanks in advance

Kaz :)

[Goosie22]

Spinal or Epidural both work well, its a heavier block with the epidural for a C/S than for labour and the drugs differ also. The diference is in the placement of the Catheter to deliver the drugs.

I've had an Epidural for one and a spinal for another, not much difference apart from pain relief afterwards. Spinal I had a morph top up which leaves you free without drips and with the Epidural I had a PCA into the epidural which kept it toped up (it did limit my movement a bit), others have injections following the surgery or something oral to help.

[Kaz240]

thanks Goosie :thumbsup:

Found some info on the web about both - I was under the impression that epidurals were used a lot less than spinal, but I think I was wrong !

Kaz:)

[Jodiee]

HI kaz :wave:

My sister just had her first baby, and had 3 epidurals which were ineffective, and in the end had a spinal, which was bliss, she even had a forcep delivery pain free!

I would go straight for the spinal if I had to make the decision!

[Mikeswifey]

I had an epi. It only worked on 1 side of my body for the first couple of hours then it took over all of the lower reigin. That was a natural birth.

I will just go with what my doc thinks is best for my cesar (having cesar for number 2).

[JuniorMinime]

I'm Just going to do what my OB suggests. I have never experienced one before so it will all be new to me.

Becs

[Kaz240]

thanks so much for your responses.

I have MS and because of weakness/spasticity in my right leg and fatigue issues :thumbsdown: I will be having a caesar. Apparently an epidural is the better option not sure why. I will ask Dr on Wed when I have my first visit !!!! :D

On that point if you knew you were to have a planned Caesar when did you find out the date for it ???