Which anesthesia is better for C-section?

According to ASA practice guidelines, a spinal block or epidural is preferred for most cesarean deliveries because the baby is exposed to the lowest amount of medication and the mother can still actively participate in the baby's birth. However, general anesthesia may be necessary in some cases.


Can you choose general anesthesia for C-section?

Women who have a Cesarean section usually have a choice of two or three options: A general anesthetic, where they are completely unconscious, and two types of regional anesthetic known as “epidural” and “spinal” anesthesia. Regional anesthetics numb the body from the waist down.

Is it better to be awake or asleep for C-section?

Under most circumstances, undergoing a c-section via Spinal Anesthesia or Epidural Anesthesia (rather than General Anesthesia) is preferred since it involves less risk and has the advantage of allowing you to be awake during your baby's birth.


How painful is spinal anesthesia for C-section?

A woman given regional anesthesia for a cesarean section will typically feel some pressure and be aware of the hospital staff working on her but will experience no pain.

Which is better for C-section epidural or spinal?

In conclusion, we believe that spinal anesthesia may be a better choice for elective cesarean section than epidural anesthesia. It is faster to perform, patients are more comfortable, complication rates are lower, and it is more cost effective.


Anaesthetic procedure for elective caesarean section (C section)



How long does a C-section take?

A caesarean section is an operation to give birth to your baby. Caesarean section surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes, although the entire process takes a few hours. There'll be many people in the operating theatre with you. You can usually have a support person.

How long after C-section can you walk?

1 day later: You'll be encouraged to walk around within the first 12 hours after delivery to help relieve gas buildup in the abdomen, and to eat something light as soon as you feel able.

Can spinal anesthesia cause paralysis?

Nerve damage is a rare complication of spinal or epidural injections. Nerve damage is usually temporary. Permanent nerve damage resulting in paralysis (loss of the use of one or more limbs) is very rare.


Can you walk after spinal anesthesia?

The effect usually takes between 2 and 4 hours to wear off, depending on the dose your procedure required. When can I go home? Before you go home the spinal anaesthetic must have completely worn off. This means you should be able to walk and move about as you do normally.

Why is spinal anesthesia better than general?

However, general anesthesia is commonly preferred because of its faster onset of action [2]. Spinal anesthesia is also associated with a better control of postoperative nausea and vomiting [7] and a higher possibility of early discharge [8, 9].

Why are moms awake during C-section?

You won't feel any pain during the C-section, although you may feel sensations like pulling and pressure. Most women are awake and simply numbed from the waist down using regional anesthesia (an epidural and/or a spinal block) during a C-section. That way, they are awake to see and hear their baby being born.


Do C-sections happen while awake?

Most C-sections are done under regional anesthesia, which numbs only the lower part of your body. This allows you to be awake during the procedure. Common choices include a spinal block and an epidural block. Some C-sections might require general anesthesia.

Why don't they put you asleep for C-section?

Unnecessary general anesthesia for cesarean delivery is associated with maternal complications, including serious anesthesia-related complications, surgical site infection, and venous thromboembolic events.

Is C-section major or minor surgery?

A C-section is relatively safe for you and your baby. But it is still a major surgery, and it carries risks. They may include: Infection.


How many C-sections are done with general anesthesia?

It's used in about 20 percent of all C-sections. General anesthesia causes you to lose consciousness. You won't be awake for the C-section or birth of your baby.

Are C-sections ever done without anesthesia?

But it does bear noting that, while there are rare cases for a C-section to be performed without anesthesia (and they often need to be in third world countries), it's very rare for this to happen in the U.S., according to John Thoppil, MD, OB/GYN, of River Place OBGYN in Austin, Texas.

How many hours does spinal anesthesia last?

A local anaesthetic drug is injected through a small needle in your lower back to numb the nerves from the waist down. Generally, the spinal lasts around 2 to 3 hours. This can be changed depending on the drug we use.


Is a major risk with spinal anesthesia?

Major Complications of Spinal Anesthesia Major complications of spinal anesthesia include direct needle trauma, infection (meningitis or abscess formation), vertebral canal hematoma, spinal cord ischemia, cauda equina syndrome (CES), arachnoiditis, and peripheral nerve injury.

What are side effects of spinal anesthesia?

Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used. Bleeding around the spinal column (hematoma) Difficulty urinating. Drop in blood pressure.

Does spinal anesthesia affect brain?

Highlights. Anesthesia has a number of side effects including cognitive impairment after the surgery. Postoperative cognitive impairment is commonly associated with general anesthesia. It can be concluded that spinal anesthesia had a significant effect on logical memory.


How long to lay flat after spinal anesthesia?

The length of time that the spinal anaesthetic takes to wear off will depend on the medications that the anaesthetist uses for the spinal anaesthetic. Usually the block will have worn off in four hours and you will be able to get out of bed six hours after the spinal anaesthetic.

Will I be awake with spinal anesthesia?

You will not be awake during surgery. Spinal anesthesia provides surgical anesthesia and you will be given sedatives to help you relax and put you in a light sleep. The level of your sleepiness can be adjusted and you can be easily awakened, if needed. In other words, you will be sleepy but not completely out.

How long will I bleed after C-section?

You might have some bleeding for up to 6 weeks. Check with your doctor, nurse or midwife if the bleeding gets heavier rather than lighter, you have a sudden heavy blood loss or large clots after the first few days, the blood smells bad, your uterus feels tender or sore, or you're still bleeding after 6 weeks.


What moms need after C-section?

These are designed to help you mend, pass the time, and get back on your feet.
  • Nursing Pillows. It's important to keep pressure off the site of the incision in the first weeks after your cesarean delivery. ...
  • Maternity Underwear. Don't pack up your maternity underwear just yet! ...
  • Skin Salve. ...
  • Sound Machines. ...
  • Books.


What should I avoid after C-section?

Things to Avoid:
  • Sexual intercourse until your health care provider tells you that it is safe.
  • The use of tampons or douche.
  • Taking baths until your incision is healed and you are no longer bleeding.
  • Public pools and hot tubs.
  • Lifting anything heavier than your baby.
  • Repeatedly using stairs.