Which One Did You Have? Epidural or Spinal with Your C-section? I'm a Bit Scared

I had general anesthesia with my first C-section, and an epidural with my second. Most of the time I would totally shy away from general, but my experience was it was far easier and quicker recovery. After the general, I never needed even a tylenol for pain... during the epidural, I could still "feel" and it was uncomfortable and made me throw up during the delivery, then flat on my back afterward and lots of nausea and vomiting... the adhesive from the huge bandage on my back caused an allergic reaction so I had welts on my back and quite a bit of headache... then the recovery took longer and I was in enough pain I was crying (and I don't cry for pain) between shots of demerol. Even though you ask for the differences between Epidural and Spinal, they seem kind of the same to me. I'd talk with your doc about a general anesthetic.

Hi G.!

My response is a little different than the others. I have had all c-sections and am about to have my 4th next month. I have never had an epidural so I really cannot compare the 2. The spinal for me was awesome! I had no pain as they were putting it in...didn't even feel it at all. As far as the pain they are talking about in there chest...that is usally caused from the pressure of them pulling the baby out not the spinal and I would not call it pain...it is just pressure. In fact they tell you, you will have heaviness or "feels like an elephant on your chest" as they are pulling the baby out...not during the surgery itself. The spinal makes you go numb from your shoulders down and it happens very quickly. As far as afterwards and side effects...again I can't compare the two but I did not have any effects from the spinal. It wore off after a couple hours. This has been my experiences. You will be fine! Good luck and enjoy your new baby!

M.

I have had both. The spinal is very easy. You have to be still just like when you get an epidural. After you have it, you will feel a warmth travel throughout your body (very comfortable and relaxing). I think I found it less painful and had no problems afterwards. I did not have to lay still for hours and nothing leaked out. There is no need to worry. I prefered it over the epidural. I had 3 C-sections. I was induced the first 2 times and had epidurals and had a sceduled C-section for the third with the spinal. You will be fine. You forget about everything once the baby arrives. Congratulations on your new addition.

I also had the Spinal. I felt so much pressure on my shoulder and chest during the C-Section. It was also painful but did not have any side effects afterwards. I never had the epidural.

With my first pregnancy I had an epidural that didn't take in one corner of my abdomen. They gave me a spinal when we went in for an emergency c-section. It was wonderful as far as pain relief goes and I did not feel anything during the surgery. Oh yeah, the headache. I'd forgotten about that until another post mentioned it. It wasn't too bad for me. I had it after arriving home. I closed the blinds, put my feet up and rested alot and after a couple of days it was better. I had VBAC with my second pregnancy and the epidural worked like a charm.

I have had two C-sections. One Epidural but then they added more meds to have it continue higher up over my stomach... and the second was a Spinal. I did not feel the differnce. It felt cold going into my back, I do remember that. I did have to be really still and they asked me to push into the needle so I just consintrated on that. My husband was there with me. I was a little nervous, but if you have a good dr. doing it, it goes quick. I don't remember laying there for many hours...... I think it was about 10-15 min maybe to allow the fluid to go inside.

Hi G.,
I was in the same situation you are. I think I was so stressed with the first (emergency c-section with epidural), I didn't notice. With the spinal, I remember feeling like there was a big stack of books sitting on my chest, but I had exactly the same side-effects, and it took about the same amount of time to recover (start moving my legs, etc).

Good luck!
T

I actually was the same as you. I had an epidural with my 1st one but it didn't work and it was a c-sec. With my 2nd, I had a spinal. I think the spinal is far worse than the epidural as far as the pain to put it in. After it's done, your literally go numb within seconds. And you feel nothing for a few hours. I had no side effects or aftermath problems with it.
I hope this helped a little!
Good luck!

I have only had the spinal. I had it twice, the 1st was not a great experience, but the 2nd was PERFECT, everything went by the book.

I had an emergency c-section with my 3rd pregnancy, (1st we lost, and 2nd was normal vaginal) because he was under stress and his heart was not doing well. They did the spinal and I felt them start to cut me open, it did not hurt, but felt like a needle scratching the skin. I told the doctor, they did a few more pain feeling attempts then they had to gas me.

When I was released from the hospital, I had a horrible spinal headache. I went back to the doctor, and they took blood from me, and placed it in where the leakage was. So IF you are at the hospital and coming off your pain meds and have a headache really bad. Make sure they check you out for a spinal headache.

BUT WITH MY 4TH AND FINAL PREGNANCY we had a scheduled C-section. I TALKED WITH THE "anesthesiologist", shared my story with them, and talked to them about my experience and my fear. They assured me that they would take good care of me.

They did just that!! The spinal took, and the baby and I were just fine. You feel the tugging and pulling, but no pain.

These are two different experiences I had. After the first experience I was truly concerned, but I suggested communicating with the anesthesiologist, sharing your concern. They will make every attempt to make you comfortable. Then you will be grateful when you get give that little one the kiss for the 1st time!! :o}

GOOD LUCK

I had a Spinal with my C-section and it turned out fine. the dr trusted it more cuz they said that you can control it better than an epideral. I have never had an epideral so I can't tell you about the pain. With the spinal I didn't feel much of anything when they did it and it numbed me right away. Recovery was quick. I could sit up as soon as I was stitched and put in recovery.

I suggest you research the differences online to ease your mind.

Good luck with your new little blessing!

B.