do you have to be awake...

[missdani]

Do you have to be awake for a planned csection? My son was an emergency cs and iv been advised to have one this time but im so scared of needles ill never be able to sit still for it. Do you have to be awake or can you have it while asleep? Xx

 

[lozzy21]

They would still need to put needles in you while awake even with a general. Why isn't a VBAC a possibility?

 

[Banshee]

I had ds1 under general anaesthetic and hated it. I hated going to sleep pregnant and waking up not pregnant. I found it disconcerting and traumatic. Also your partner can't be there if you have a general in the uk so both of us missed ds1's birth. I'd never want to go through it again.

 

[minties]

I was utterly terrified of spinals but would prefer to be awake a million times more than not. Anesthetic leaves you groggy and feeling disoriented - not a state you want to be in when meeting your baby.

 

[missdani]

My little boy i was induced for a week because he stopped moving my waters went then i was in labour 24 hours and he got stuck and was getting no oxygen. I was put to sleep for the section. Im so worried about the needle in my back im only 10 weeks and already having bad dreams about it most nights xx

 

[amelia26]

It sounds like quite a traumatic birth last time.

Have you considered vbac or are you set on c section?

My first was emergency c section under GA after failed induction. Personally I was happy to have a vbac this time but not happy to be induced again. I don't know if that's something you would consider.

The other thing I would suggest is to request an appointment with the anaesthetist to discuss your concerns.

Are you UK? In general I don't think they're too keen on doing GA if it's not necessary but I do know of at least one woman who had it. She did have some counselling about her fears of being awake first. That might also be an option for you?

Whatever you choose you need to talk to your midwife/consultant about your feelings on the matter and find out your options. Speaking to a Supervisor of Midwives (in the UK) is also an option if you don't find your regular midwife that helpful.


Personally I hated having GA and would do anything I could to avoid it this time, but your fears about the needles are clearly very real if they are affecting you this much.

 

[m nonie]

I had to have a GA with DS, tbh I don't think I could ever go through that again. I have no memories' from the first 3 days of DS's life, its horrible (I do realise its rare). I'm terrified of needles but its really important to me not to have another GA as that's a even bigger fear then needles.

 

[missdani]

Yes im in the uk. I wanted to try a vbac but midwife says this baby will prob go same as my soon and a csection would be my best option. Just so worried about the needle i cry having my thumb pricked its the thought that gets me so worked up xx

 

[Lisa40]

I had to have a spinal put in after a complicated birth so they could stitch me up properly. To be honest you don't see the needle. You just face the other way & they put it in. Didn't really feel anything at all other than a tiny scratch.

If you tell them your fears I'm sure they'll do everything so that you don't see / feel it.

It's easier for them not to give the GA too so they'll go out of their way to put you at ease I'm sure.

Good luck
x

 

[hanni]

Honestly don't do it if you don't have to. I had my DS under a GA and it still breaks my heart to think about it. I don't know anything about his birth, I don't know who delivered him, I don't know the exact time he was born, I missed his first breath, did he cry as soon as he came out? I couldn't tell you. I have no idea who first held him, who first put his nappy on him. I wouldn't wish it on anybody, it's the most awful feeling in the world. I was so drugged up and groggy I don't remember the first 48 hours or so. I can't look at the photos without bursting into tears. What's a few needles over the most important memories in your child's life?
I understand your fear but it's heart breaking to miss out on it all. You'll be so proud of yourself if you manage to do it without. And you'll still have to have needles with a GA.

 

[amelia26]

Why does your midwife think this birth would go the same way as your first?

Have you had a debrief about your son's birth? If not, you might want to request that so you can better understand why things went the way they did last time. Then you would be better able to judge how likely ut will be that it would go the same.
If you want to consider Vbac, join the fb group Vbac Support Group UK. It's a very informative group but no pressure. Lots of undecided mums on there and not all of them decide on vbac in the end. The important thing is making an informed choice though.

 

[HayleyJJ]

I had a section 48 hours ago and I feel your pain I was petrified but when u go to get the block they numb u first all u felt was a sharp scratch after that I was so relaxed and was fine even my hubby was shocked and still tells people how Well I did after everyone knew the night before my op how scared I was.

Honestly don't read up about it look for positive stories I'll get my birth story on here and it's nothing but positive I promise you and I'm as anxious as they come I even thought about giving birth to my breech baby rather than a section but with my history I couldn't.

 

[Shanslee]

I was terrified of getting the spinal, because I thought it would hurt terribly. I was completely wrong...as others have said here, it's like a scratch. And once it's done, it's done, and you can relax and enjoy the birth.

I do understand that the anxiety leading up to it is what's driving you nuts. For me, the thought of something always seems so much worse than what actually happens. You should definitely talk to your midwife or doctor about how you feel...they will reassure you, but don't let them blow you off when it comes to the anxiety. That kind of anxiety can ruin what should be a wonderful time...they will hopefully refer you to someone who can help you with it.

 

[bitethebullet]

I'd honestly think very carefully about having a GA- as others have said, the spinal is not bad at all. I know this it must be scary if you're needle phobic but try not to think about that aspect of the procedure- focus on the positives and how great it will be if you can see your baby as soon as they are born.

 

[HayleyJJ]

They won't give a ga I asked for one they won't do it unless emergency

 

[love.peace]

Massive hugs for you. I had the same fear with my son. I spent the whole pregnancy having nightmares and had asked for a GA (in the UK you can opt for a GA.) I was worried about being awake also and feeling out of control. Near the end of my pregnancy I met with the consultant and anesthesiologist who assured me it would all be fine and if at any point I started to panic I could then have the GA. I'm so pleased I went along with the spinal. We planned for a natural/gentle cesarean with delayed (for as long as possible) cord cutting, immediate skin to skin etc. My husband also filmed the birth which is just so precious. It was a truly beautiful experience which I would have never known with a GA. I had asked for lots of numbing before the spinal was inserted and I honestly didn't feel a thing. I had my music playing and it was such a relaxed atmosphere. I'll be having another section in around 7 weeks and I've not even considered a GA. I wish you all the best of luck. Please know that in the UK its about choice and you do have the right to choose a GA if you want one x

 

[Whatme]

Your midwife had no right to say that, every birth is different, you need to do some research on vbac, and positive birthing. If you really want to avoid a section it's more than possible.

 

[Pearls18]

I would be speaking to a consultant about the possibility of a VBAC before dismissing the idea, I don't believe midwives really have the training to be able to give you such a firm answer at this stage in your pregnancy, you need to speak to someone with the medical knowledge to really assess what happened last time and discuss your options for this birth (and you can bring up the GA).