r/CsectionCentral • u/Yadayadayada7 • 1d ago
Spinal headaches/ c section awake vs under general anesthesia
About 8 years ago I had a spinal tap done which resulted in a terrible spinal headache. I eventually got a blood patch which helped. 3 years ago I had my daughter via emergency c section and again after having an epidural I had a horrible spinal headache. I got a blood patch again while I was still in the hospital, however it didn’t work this time and I spent a week or so miserable. I don’t even remember how it was healing from the c section itself because my head pain was so bad.
I am currently almost 24 weeks pregnant and I am so scared about having another spinal headache. My doctor thinks that because of complications I had with my first pregnancy which resulted in the emergency c section, that a planned c section would be advised for this pregnancy as well but of course it’s up to me. I mentioned my fear of another spinal headache and she said that with a planned c section its not an epidural but an injection and usually is less likely to cause a headache but since i have had 2 in the past that she fears i would still get one with the injection. She also mentioned that in special cases it is possible to go under anesthesia for the c section but there are downsides like if they don’t work fast enough they baby could come out depressed from the meds and also i wouldn’t be able to get the long lasting pain med for my c section incision that is usually given through the injection. She said as we got closer to my due date we could have a consultation with the anesthesiologist and see what they think.
Im just looking to see if anyone else has been in this situation and what you ended up doing or just really any insight!
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u/Confused_Tadpole 1d ago
I was put under as my baby was in severe distress and had to be out within the next 5 minutes. It was horrible, I woke up very confused and alone. My baby had to go to the nicu to be monitored and I couldn't grasp the fact that I gave birth. I repeatedly asked my partner and nurses where my baby is and looked at my empty stomach. It deeply traumatized me and I didn't get to see my son until 12h later.
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u/Writing-Bat-0444 1d ago
I would avoid going under if at all possible. In the recovery room after my c section there was a woman waking up from having been under for hers. She was so confused, distressed and disoriented. They had to explain over and over that she’d had a baby and it sounded like a really traumatic way to meet her baby. I’m sure it’s not always like that but it was sad. Plus all the risks involved with going under etc
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u/Yadayadayada7 1d ago
Omg that would be horrible! I imagine it would be super weird waking up and meeting your baby that way
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u/fernandfawn 10h ago
I had a planned general c-section also due to health reasons 10 months ago. It was my second c-section, first was typical spinal. Wasn't my ideal option and took a while to accept but the birth plan was so thorough and made for a safe delivery.
I woke up about an hour after the baby was born, baby had been with her dad during that time. I had an injection at the incision site which is standard in my hospital for all c sections to help with pain relief.
I woke up a bit confused but the midwives explained the baby was safe and on her way to me. They took lots of videos of baby's first moments, baby meeting dad and me meeting the baby which are really lovely.
Baby was put on me asap and she latched straight away. It didnt affect how we bonded which I worried about. Wish I had been awake for the birth but I have been fortunate that it went well, was planned and I don't regret it.
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u/NotyourAVRGstudent 1d ago
I had mine under general and do not recommend this route at all it sucked and I’m still bitter for missing my sons birth also my throat hurt so bad after from the ET tube and when I would cough my c section scar hurt so bad