Can you be put to sleep?

[BabyCleo]

This will be my first labor/birth. Im seriously terrified of anything medical (especially the IV!) and even though I have no reason to think ill have a c section, its still a fear of mine.

Im scared of being cut open while being awake. I was wondering if in an EMCS case, can I be put under? I don't want to miss the birth of my baby, however I have a severe panic disorder and to be honest, for my own mental health during/afterwards it would be best if I was put under during the surgery.

I just wanted to hear from women if this was possible, or if anyone has had it happen. I had a MC a few years ago and had a procedure to remove and clean everything out, and it was so traumatic it caused severe panic attacks and almost a heart attack. I cant do that again.

Any advice/ even reassurance about c sections would be great!!

 

[sammynashley]

I had an emcs with dd had issues with my epidural wearing off so was put to sleep rather quickly once in theatre.

When I had my elcs booked for dd I did enquire for a general anaesthetic as I was completely terrified about the spinal it was an option for me but in the end was coaxed with a spinal.

Although some doctors aren't as understanding. Perhaps speak to you midwife? Of consultant and explain your fears and what happened before.

 

[Tigerlily01]

I think with planned c-sections they like to keep you awake because it is less risky, but with an emergency c-section, it probably depends on how urgent it is whether they'd put you to sleep. I had a planned one and honestly the spinal was no big deal...I was nervous beforehand, and after they did it I was like "really? That's it?!" and they even had to do mine twice. The sensations during the c-sections did weird me out a little, but if you think it'll bother you, you could probably request something for the anxiety. I think it's pretty common for women to request that.

I'd just explain your fears/past history to your healthcare provider and see what your options are.

 

[QueenQueso]

A lot of the time if it's a true emergency, they will use general anesthesia, because if the mom doesn't already have an epidural in place, there's not time to place a spinal. But they don't like to do that otherwise. For starters, there are a lot more risks associated with general anesthesia than a spinal.

And also, it's common to have complete memory loss for a few hours up to a few days around the time of being put under. Do you really want to risk not having any memories of your babies first day of life?

It's really common to be given a sedative along with your spinal, you need to speak with your doctor about it in advance and then bring it up again with the anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist (and your DH or support person) is able to sit with you and talk with you during the entire cesarean and they can help talk you through your anxiety or assist by giving the sedative if needed.

But most likely this will never have to be done, because you're going to have a perfectly normal and natural labor and delivery!!

 

[MindUtopia]

Like the other ladies said, yes, you definitely can have GA for a c-section and some women do when it's an emergency and there is no other option, but it's usually the less pleasant choice and comes with a lot more complications. My MIL had to have a planned c-section and the spinal didn't take, so they very quickly had to put her under GA because they'd already started the c-section when they realised that it hadn't worked. It was really awful for her. She was really out of it and didn't even get to see her baby for 48 hours because she was just so loopy and doesn't remember really anything. She had a lot of trouble bonding as a result. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that, more than likely you won't need a c-section, especially if you plan well to avoid some of the risks that can lead to them being needed, but even if you do, there are lots of things I would try to deal with your anxiety that I think would be better than opting to go under GA in that situation. You might really benefit from practicing hypnotherapy for your birth, which can be useful for controlling pain and discomfort if you opt for a natural birth, but also for dealing with stress and anxiety if things don't go to plan. I did natal hypnotherapy but there are lots of methods. It helped me to feel calm and in control the whole time (and it wasn't really painful either). But the breathing and relaxation techniques can be used in all sorts of stressful or difficult situations, even if it's not how you planned to use them. I've used the same techniques for flying (have a bit of fear of flying), for having dental work, for having a really painful poo after birth (yes, really). It really works. So if you know that you might get stressed and anxious in a certain situation, I would plan ahead so that you have all the tools possible to deal with that situation.

 

[zorak]

General anesthesia has more of an effect on baby which partly is why it's saved for emergency use.

 

[kayleigh1985]

I had an emergency csection with DD and I was given a choice off a general anesthetic or spinal, not sure if this was because of my massive needly phobia. I chose spinal as I didn't want hubby to miss out as he wouldn't have been allowed in the room if I had GA. Honestly it was fine and i've always been so scared and pass out at the thought of needles. I'll be opting for a spinal this time round too!

 

[Nanaki]

I went through EMCS 5 years ago as it was my last resort and I was told if you chose to go under GA (not recommended) it will affect the bonding of yourself and baby.

I was worried with my second baby but he finally pop out without need of CS!

That's all I know.

 

[misspriss]

I have panic and anxiety issues and my EMCS with the epidural was fine. You don't see the needle for the epidural. I hardly felt a thing. My epidural worked very well, I didn't even feel pressure or any weird sensations. I felt nothing. You can't see any of the surgery (Okay, I looked in the reflection of the lights, but all I could see was red...but you don't have to try and look if you don't want to).

I was very upset about having to have a c-section. The actual procedure was fine. I did not panic. I did not feel anything. If you don't think about it, you don't even realize you are being cut open while awake. I literally felt nothing.

I had GA for another surgery (minor)...it was awful. The whole day was a blur, I was loopy, I can only remember bits, I would not want that on the day my child is born unless it were an emergency.

 

[coz]

I had an emergency c section right after my epidural, i felt nothing when they put needle in and i was put to sleep and it was just weird coming round as i kept drifting in and out of sleep for a bit so couldnt hold baby right away but it was ok, daddy had baby all wrapped up in his arms so i just remember crying with joy, i was a bit shakey afterwards but was all a rush and i still went through labour too x

 

[BabyCleo]

Thanks ladies!! I actually had no idea GA was more dangerous, and I didn't consider not bonding with baby. Ill talk to my doctor when I see her tomorrow and explain how afraid I am. Hopefully I can just have baby the natural way but I like to be prepared!!

Thanks to everyone who also explained how their c sections weren't as scary. I needed to hear that

 

[ItsAWonder]

Just to share another experience. I had to have a c-section under GA as I am allergic to most numbing agents. For me it's take the pain or full anesthesia with everything in my life. My surgeon had my baby out in 3 minutes, my husband was allowed in the operating room and had immediate skin-to-skin while I was being closed. I was awake, with my baby and breastfeeding w/in 45 minutes of the start of surgery and had no memory loss. I would have loved to have been awake when my baby popped out but that was not an option. My husband forgot to put our camera in his scrubs so the only unfortunate part is that I don't have pics of the event which I do recommend. My baby's first APGAR was 8, her second was a 10. Again, it would not be my first choice but I had a great experience nonetheless. I also healed faster than any of my friends who had vaginal deliveries. (6 of us delivered w/in two weeks of each other.)

There are positive experiences.

 

[m nonie]

I had a emergency c-section, the opportunity it's self went fine but OH wasn't allowed in and tbh i dont remember anything for the first 3 days. It really has made me very wary now as I hate the fact I don't remember my first cuddle or feeding .

 

[Tigerlily01]

J My husband forgot to put our camera in his scrubs so the only unfortunate part is that I don't have pics of the event which I do recommend.

My husband had the camera in his regular pocket under the scrubs, and couldn't get to it with the scrubs on. Might be best to just carry it in his hand, lol!

 

[eppgirl]

When I had my csection I was shaking, I'd had no sleep (I was induced and ended up failure to progress/swollen cervix), and to me a c section was the worst thing that could happen to me. I was also crying. I asked the anaesthesiologist about putting me to sleep, he told me if I wanted to drug my baby, he'd put me to sleep, than he asked me "do you want to drug your baby" I said no, he said then I think you'll be fine. It sounds awful but he was really straight up but also nice. I think general anaesthesia is only for like worst case scenarios.

 

[BabyCleo]

Thanks everyone I like hearing all the stories, it helps

Ill have to remind hubby about the camera lol.