epidural or gas?

[rat117]

i have 2 and a half weeks tilll emily comes, and i am having a section.....

my sister and my best friend had epiduals and now there backs are stuffed up, i was wondering what people thought about them, i can choose epidural, or i can be put to sleep but then my partner ian is not allowed to come in to theatre....

love rach

[stellarella]

Tough one. I had an epidural for a VB and I do have back pain
But maybe if your epidural is administered calmly when you are not in labour there might be less risk for back pain. Mine also had to be put in twice.

What about a spinal block? Different to a normal epidural (not sure how exactly) but I think its safer.

I would want to be concious if I was having a c/sec. I would hate to have a general, but thats just my own feelings on the matter.

Good luck with it

[mum33]

been told by some people they are great and some that your back plays up forever after....

but me, refused to have one...dont want people playing around with my spinal fluids/cord.

i guess maybe it depends on the individual.

[Londonmum]

Some pros and cons (not based on personal experience, just feedback I have heard from other mums)

Epidural - If you have had previous back problems then this may not be for you as yes it can aggravate a pre existing back problem.
By having epidural you will be able to experience the birth of your child, despite the screen between you and belly.
You will be able to hold bub almost straight away.
Partner can be in with you and experience birth with you.
Trouble moving for couple hours post epidural, meaning difficulty.

General - You will not feel all the tugging and pulling as they take bubs out (wont feel pain with epidural, just feel the pulling) and it'll seem to pass quick.
No risk of back problems following C.Section.
Wont experience birth and may have difficulty bonding in first day or so (not fully believe baby is yours as not seen it born/passed to you straight after birth).
Might feel a little rough as aneasetic wears off but able to move/feed bubs easier.

Hope this helps a little, tough decision to make though.
Partner can't be present and so can not share in experience with you.

[Becteria]

I have had 2 c-sect. THe first was with an epidural. I had slight back issues which were fixed by a physio..

3 years later and 2 weeks ago (almost!) i had my second csec with a spinal.

I found the spinal easier to recover from... there wasnt as much pain (and there wasnt 8 attempts).

I would prefer the option of being awake for the birth, and my partner truly valued being there......

[babyfan85]

i had 2 choices when i had chelsea.
both were: general (couldn't have partner in operation room) or spinal (can have partner in the room).
my opinion: have the spinal