Full Anesthesia or Awake With Epidural

[Nela]

I'm pretty sure that I will need to have a c-section and since they ask us for a birthing plan, I was debating which I prefer...

See things is, I am terrified of needles and I have always been very terrified of the epidural. Plus, I think I will be a total pack of nerves! Right now, I would much prefer just being completely knocked out. However, I was wondering if this changes things recovery wise? I noticed that with the full anesthesia they mention taking paracetamol regularly the previous day but they say nothing about what will be given after the surgery... They don't like medicine very much in this country so I am always very scared about pain relief!

Do you guys know anything about these? Any thoughts?

 

[ladysarcasma]

General anesthesia adds risk factors to the surgery in general and can change the recovery especially if you have any type of allergy to it. The one thing I remember about my recovery was that it was more painful because of all the coughing you have to do in order to clear the anesthesia from your lungs. Not what you want to be doing when your abs are trying to heal...OUCH!

I'm not a fan of needles in the back. Because I have scoliosis, my last hospital placed my epidural wrong and it hurt much more than it should have. It still wasn't that horrible. When they placed it correctly, I barely felt it. It's really not that bad. I had the general because I ended up with an EMCS at the end. Mine was more complicated because of my blood loss, so the breathing tube involved with general had to stay in while I was still awake after.

There are definitely far fewer risks involved with regional anesthesia than with general.

 

[yrose20118]

I was put to sleep for mine, I had been in labour for 22 hours and it was a rush emergency c section. For me if was the right thing but dont think in the UK you normally get that choice...

xxx

 

[girl friday]

I've had 2 emergency c sections, the first under general anesthetic and the second with an epidural.

Despite both being emergencies, the second was a much better experience, I was actually 'there' when DS2 was born, I got to hear him cry straight away, got to see him almost instantly and hold him soon after. DH was there with me and had the option to cut the cord.

With DS1, DH wasn't allowed in theatre so neither of us witnessed the birth of our first child, something that still upsets me, I went to sleep pregnant and woke up a mum.

As a PP said, the general will also make you cough a lot and that's really painful.

In my experiences I would pick the epidural over the general every time.

 

[Staceyh1983]

Trust me after 2 sections myself after an emcs you can't help but cough and after major abdominal surgery that is worse then having a spinal/ epidural and lasts for atleast a week if you are a fast healer. I know it's hard I'm terrified of needles but ttc knowing it may be another c section xx

 

[supertabby]

Not meaning to offend, but how do you know you need a c-section if you're in first trimester of first pregnancy? It's major surgery and I wouldn't choose it unless you need to.

I had a general because I was too ill for an epidural, so I don't know how bad/not bad an epidural actually is. I don't know how it works in the Netherlands but in UK the doctors would not give a general unless it was medically necessary as it carries more risk. That goes for any type of surgery not just c-sections.

I understand your nervousness though. I was told after my first that if I have another baby I'd have to have a planned section slightly early as I'm at high risk of the health issues I had happening again. But I should be able to have an epidural next time if all goes to plan. I'm nervous of the needle and the sensations/sounds of surgery etc. But I think it beats the alternative.

My daughter was 90 mins old before I met her, and I was still out of it from the general so only have a fleeting memory of the top of her head over my oxygen mask. I can't remember anything else till the next day. My husband had her with him from about 5 minutes old but because he couldn't be in theatre with me and was really worried for me, he didn't really connect to her at all until I was awake. We both now have a wonderful relationship with our daughter and the surgery was literally a lifesaver for us both, but it's not a birth plan I'd choose if I was healthy.

Talk through your concerns with your doctor/midwife - they should be able to provide plenty of advice and reassurance about the choices available. You've got plenty of time to think it through too.

And congratulations btw

 

[sbl]

I had an epi. Most countries epidural is the norm with a planned c section anyways.
I think with an emergency section general anesthetic is more common.

Also supertabby I knew in 1st tri I would be having a section due to a condition I have possibly Nela is the same.

xx

 

[supertabby]

Also supertabby I knew in 1st tri I would be having a section due to a condition I have possibly Nela is the same.

xx

Yes I guess some people might already know especially if they've talked it through with a doctor before ttc. I thought I'd ask as I myself assumed I'd need one as I have a condition that causes problems sometimes and had to have surgery years ago. I thought it would stop me giving birth "naturally" but when I eventually saw a specialist I was told I could give birth vaginally though they'd monitor me during the birth and possibly be at higher risk of episiotimy (sp). (my subsequent c-section was unconnected, I developed pre-eclampsia and hellp which is why I had section). As we don't see a midwife in UK till about 10 weeks and then she referred me to a consultant to discuss my condition, it meant I got no medical advice on potential birth issues until well into my second trimester.

 

[Nela]

I have a heart condition which can cause me to pass out and the main concern would be me passing out during delivery. In the Netherlands, doctors are normally not involved unless you are considered at risk. Everything is done with midwives and generally the natural homebirth without medicine method is encouraged. Anyway, due to my heart issue, I went to see my GP first (to ask about the beta-blocker) and I am already being sent in to the hospital directly because they are concerned about the heart issue, amongst other things.

The delivery method is actually something that is discussed during your first appointment because it may change where you can have it (midwives are not allowed to administer medicine) etc. As for the full vs. epidural, from the info I gathered here, it was my understanding that you could indeed choose either. However, I am sure that they would warn me about the extra risks or either and discuss both with me to make a well-informed decision. Of course, you can change your mind along the way or modify things but I was trying to educate myself so that I would at least a bit of an idea as to what is available and where I would want to go with this.

All your responses were very insightful so I will definitely have a better idea of what to ask when I go in on Friday so thank you all for your responses.

 

[BlueHadeda]

I too have a big fear of needles. And then had some bad experiences with some of my epidurals. (Due to my unique situation). So going into my 4th birth, I was very, very scared of the epi. Extremely scared. But you know what, it really is over so quickly. Even if it might be painful, it's quick. Just seconds. Really. One of my epidurals (a spinal actually), wasn't even painful at all. So even pain isn't a given. And really, it was over so quickly. Just hang onto that. Don't look at the needles or injections. Do exactly like the anaesthesiast says (hunching your shoulders as forward as you can), and then it's quickly done. It takes effect immediately, you barely have time to lift your own legs onto the table, then they're already going numb. You know what, putting in the drip (IV line) was more traumatic, painful and took MUCH longer than doing the epi.

It's really worth it, to see your baby being born. It's THE most special moment, indescribable. It's magical.

Maybe you should also research what option is best for your heart? I would think that general anaesthesia would carry extra risks for you? Good luck, believe me, I know how scared you are. But it's totally worth biting through that fear and the spinal. Once that's done, you can just enjoy the birth and soldier through the recovery. (And gosh, I hope they give you something more than just paracetamol afterwards!!!)

 

[Nela]

Thanks, I am hearing many good things about the epidural so that helps boost confidence there too! I so hate needles. Lol. I'm even terrified of the IV but I feel so stupid being scared of an IV when I am pregnant. At least with the epidural, I can pretend that I am scared of my spine being damaged or something so they don't realize it's really all about the pain of the needle itself Yeah, the full anesthesia might be an issue as well. Like I said, I really don't know what the doctors will recommend but I really just wanted to have an idea going in, in case both options are good and carry as many pros and cons as the other.

I'm still hoping that they monitor things and at some point decide that natural would be safe. The only thing that REALLY scares me is attempting a natural, it going all wrong, and then needing an emergency c-section. So unless they are really confident that it's safe and I don't have more risk than the average woman, that's something I would really like to avoid.

 

[fiffle]

hi i don't know how much help i will be as i live in the uk and things may be different in the netherlands.

i had a emergency c/section with my first son and was put to sleep for it (even though i was encouraged by the doctor at the time to stay awake i refused and insisted they put me to sleep)

i'm now 37+3 weeks and have to have another c/section as my baby is too big

i saw my consultant on tuesday to discuss this exact issue with her as i truly am terrified by the thought of being awake

she told me that while they do encourage women to stay awake she is happy for me to be put to sleep if that is what i want. so yes, you can be put to sleep if you truly want to be you just need to be insistent about it.

another thing she told me was that if i choose to stay awake she will make sure that the anesthetist is informed before my surgery to have a sedative on hand (though i wasn't told what it is called) so if at any point i begin to panic and decide i cant do it i'll be given the sedative which wont knock me out but will make me "not care"

as i said i live in the uk so the same things may not be on offer to you. i would suggest speaking to your consultant about this as i feel so much better about staying awake knowing that i have the sedative as a sort of "get out claus" best of both worlds!

i know how much this must be playing on your mind, i lost countless hours of sleep over it when i first found out i had to have a c/section, and i really hope you get some answers soon to lay you mind at rest, good luck and congrats

 

[Stelly]

I had to have an emcs, and was put under general anesthesia. My baby is in the NICU and do to anesthesia and complications from severe pre-eclampsia I didnt get to see him til he was a day old

I will say, recovery wasnt bad for me though. You are made to cough often, its not bad if you hold a pillow. By day two- I was off all pain meds and could cough/walk/shower etc just fine with very little to no pain.

 

[julesjules100]

hi i don't know how much help i will be as i live in the uk and things may be different in the netherlands.

i had a emergency c/section with my first son and was put to sleep for it (even though i was encouraged by the doctor at the time to stay awake i refused and insisted they put me to sleep)

i'm now 37+3 weeks and have to have another c/section as my baby is too big

i saw my consultant on tuesday to discuss this exact issue with her as i truly am terrified by the thought of being awake

she told me that while they do encourage women to stay awake she is happy for me to be put to sleep if that is what i want. so yes, you can be put to sleep if you truly want to be you just need to be insistent about it.

another thing she told me was that if i choose to stay awake she will make sure that the anesthetist is informed before my surgery to have a sedative on hand (though i wasn't told what it is called) so if at any point i begin to panic and decide i cant do it i'll be given the sedative which wont knock me out but will make me "not care"

as i said i live in the uk so the same things may not be on offer to you. i would suggest speaking to your consultant about this as i feel so much better about staying awake knowing that i have the sedative as a sort of "get out claus" best of both worlds!

i know how much this must be playing on your mind, i lost countless hours of sleep over it when i first found out i had to have a c/section, and i really hope you get some answers soon to lay you mind at rest, good luck and congrats

I'm really pleased to read this. I'm having an elective C section too (25 weeks plus 2 now) and, despite having been through IVF etc I'm also terrified of needles. What's worse, I can't stand people touching my spine so the thought of both things together is too much. I am heavily leaning towards a general. I know that I will miss the first cry which is sad but the idea of being awake for such a big op makes me feel sick and panicky. I am meeting with an anaesthetist to talk about the options soon and particularly the risk factors for the baby and me between the two options. The only way I would be able to do the epidural/spinal is if they gave me a SERIOUS sedative before so I didn't really know what was going on. So happy to read that others are feeling the same as I have been feeling like I'm crazy for not wanting to stay awake. x

 

[fiffle]

to julesjules100, i just wanted to say don't feel bad about wanting to go to sleep. personally i think there's far too much pressure put on women to be awake and you're made to feel like a bad mother if you'd rather be asleep. it really isn't fair. it is a huge operation and in any other circumstances no one would even consider being awake for such a thing. i insisted on being put to sleep for my first section and though the doctors protested i refused to back down and in the end they had no choice but to put me to sleep. remember, it is ALWAYS your decision in the end the fact i never heard my son's first cry has never bothered me, as far as i was concerned i went to sleep and woke up to my mother placing him on me, and with no sensation of time having passed it felt like it was straight away to me

 

[julesjules100]

to julesjules100, i just wanted to say don't feel bad about wanting to go to sleep. personally i think there's far too much pressure put on women to be awake and you're made to feel like a bad mother if you'd rather be asleep. it really isn't fair. it is a huge operation and in any other circumstances no one would even consider being awake for such a thing. i insisted on being put to sleep for my first section and though the doctors protested i refused to back down and in the end they had no choice but to put me to sleep. remember, it is ALWAYS your decision in the end the fact i never heard my son's first cry has never bothered me, as far as i was concerned i went to sleep and woke up to my mother placing him on me, and with no sensation of time having passed it felt like it was straight away to me

Thanks so much! I feel guilty saying that I'm prepared to miss the first cry but then it will be the first one of a lifetime of them so... The hospital I'm going to has a 50:50 c section rate but when I said to my consultant that I wanted to be put out he said he could but then said that he only had c 2 requests per year for people wanting that over regional. That made me feel bad too! He also said that the baby will probably need a bit of resuscitation too because of the general; do you know if your LO did?

You words have indeed made me feel better. I've had lots of generals before and I actually like that you lose the time of the op too as it just feels like you're out for 10 seconds. Given what's going on its preferable to me x

 

[Clarabell543]

I was induced, it was a very long process, I was having too many contractions due overeaction to the syntocin drip, they tried 7 times with the consultant anethetists to get an epidural into me but I was retaining so much water and my bump was so big for me to be able to bend over for them to access what they needed to properly that I had to have just gas and air. I wasn't progressing and the decision was taken for an emcs after 11 hours of almost constant contractions. As they couldn't do the epi I had to have a general. It has been nearly 2 weeks since the birth and although I have bonded with my lo I carry a lot of upset/guilt/anger at myself that I missed the first 4 hours of her life due to being out of it. My husband couldn't be there and as pp said he held her as soon as she arrived but was so worried about me it took the focus off her. I know if it is planned then you can prepare yourself but I felt very much that I'd failed as a woman and I'd let my baby down. If I was given the choice I would definately have the epidural. I let them try 7 times and as someone else said, the pain of the epi is nothing compared to the awful cough after!

 

[cupcake23]

I found this which maybe helpful. It shows a lady undergoing a cs and the procedure of anaesthesia being given.

https://youtu.be/QKyjTRvyMUs

If you go for an elective cs or even an emergency cs and there is enough time you will have a spinal if you don't already have an epidural in place. A GA has higher risks to a spinal, lots of surgeries use only spinal now because of the risks and it also means your birthing partner can stay in theatre with you. The only times I've seen a
GA has been when its been an emergency (get the baby out now) or there are existing medical conditions which make a spinal unsafe.

It's completely your choice how you have your baby, it's never an easy decision as there will always be someone to judge that choice but I do encourage to get as much info as you can so its an informed choice.

 

[fiffle]

julesjules100; as far as i'm aware my baby didn't need any resuscitation, i was certainly never told about it if he did, and i certainly didn't feel it gave us any less of a bond. i breastfed him too and found that he took to it like an old pro, breastfed right up until he was 14 months... so certainly no trouble bonding my consultant told me it can make babies a bit drowsy, but then so can pethidine and women have that all the time. i can't say if the GA made my LO drowsy as he had jaundice so he would have been drowsy anyway. i don't regret being put to sleep for one minute and even now am not 100% about staying awake for this one (just 4 days away now... sooo nervous lol) i'm just going to see how i feel on the day. i've been told i can take an mp3 player into theater with me if i do stay awake so not only will i not be able to see or feel it but i won't be able to hear anything either... i'll be closing my eyes and pretending i'm at a concert haha. for me it isnt the thought of the spinal that scares me its the thought that (even though i wont be able to feel it) i will be physically being cut open... the mere thought makes my stomach wretch

 

[julesjules100]

Fiffle, totally understand. Hope its a walk in the park for you and if you think on please do let me know how it goes! x