Answer from OB about spinal vs. epi for c-section....

Ok, So I had my 39 week appointment today with my OB. My c-section is scheduled for Friday and since I have personally been freaking out about this (since I am one of those OMG my epi failed during my section horror stories...) and because we had a whole thread devoted to this the other day, I thought I would let you know what he said.

Those of you who answered SPINAL... he agrees. He said that when a section is planned a spinal is used and they do not fail like epidurals do since there is no chance of things moving or slipping. He said a spinal is like a lightswitch. They put it in.... and lights out... numb. (provided it's done correctly) He said they won't start until I am completely numb (i was worried about one side vs. the other) and it is a large enough dose to last through my section and tubal. No sweat. I trust him alot... so here's hoping he's right. I am still very nervous about Friday but I know what to say this time to get knocked out if need be.

So ladies... there's your answer. :) 

I'm so glad you posted this..I was induced with my daughter and after the 2nd epi I coded...I ended up with a c-section. This baby I am a planned c section and wondered what the heck they would use on me to numb me up!

Glad that he helped put your mind to rest.  I will just say- I had one c-section that was planned 16 hours labor, baby head not going to fit through pelvis transverse...that section was not pleasant.  I was able to tell them I could still sort of feel and got more of the epi.  Then I had my "planned section" and had the spinal.  The results of the spinal were perfect- I didn't feel anything, not pulling, tugging, pressure, nothing.  I was literally like WOW that was day and night.  Much more pleasant of a birth experience then hurried, unplanned, c-sections.   As with any medical procedure there are risks- listen to them, and listen to the what could happen.  Sometimes they do- then you feel educated that at least you know what is going on. (vomiting, headaches, back pain).  Lots and lots of woman have epi and spinal no issue.  I had epi no issues, I wasn't that lucky with my spinal (I had after problems- which I don't want to scare anyone with).  I will say I did vomit lots after my spinal, I am not sure why but it delayed my being able to have my cath out, and all of that because I was vomiting with a fresh c-section.  Yikes!   Good luck and soon excitement to meet your little one will over take the nerves!

yeah I'm not really excited about some of the possible side effects of the spinal, but after feeling what I felt before... I'll take 'em. Hopefully things will go smoothly... for once. :)

Victoria,
Thank you for posting this.
I was the one who posted the original asking about all of this.

I had my dr's appt yesterday and we are looking at either March 23rd or March 25th. So looks like I have about 6 weeks to go!!! He wasn't to keen on 38 weeks...but for insurance purposes, I asked if he would be willing. The baby hasn't given him any reason to tell me no. He was worried insurance might give us problems...lol, I told him to just tell them about my RNY and they should shut up.  :-)  

I also agreed to a tubal at the same time. So reading your post that the spinal will cover both the birth and the tubal is great to hear.

Thanks again for posting!
Hugs and good luck!!!

I'll let you know how it goes on Friday... god... only 2 more days! Eeeek.... I'm still super anxious about the c-section but I am a worrier.

Good luck biding your time for 6 weeks... It may seem slow, but really it will be here before you know it.

I have to say a spinal was way better than the epidural. With my epidural I was so numb on one side that I couldn't even move my arm, with the spinal it was really even and nice. I also felt out of breath during the C section with the epidural but not at all with the spinal. I have to say that the scheduled C section was so nice. Especially compared to a first time after labor and pushing. I hope yours goes well like mine did for me.

Glad to hear that your second go-round went better. Finger's crossed! I am still so anxious... I am actually worried about being able to breathe and that causing a panic/athsma attack.

I hope it goes smoothly!

i have a question - for my son - they tired to give me a spinal, but after about 20 odd sticks into my spine my OB just took over and told him to knock me out....by this time i was SO thankful... 24hours of hard labor and 30mins of him stickin' things into my back not having a clue as to what he was doing - the whole time i'm having contractions and he's telling me to stay still and my legs are jerking bc of what he's doing and well anyways....it was just a really bad sitaution....

my question is this.... would they just knock you out if you asked? no spinal or epi ... ? has anyone had that?

This time went sooooo... much better, but I went in telling my anethstesiologist about the last time and I told her to knock me out if neccessary. She said she would. She also said that if even if the spinal took, but my anxiety was causing a problem she would give me some meds that would "not knock me out, but I probably wouldn't remember anything".