Can you have a C-section without an epidural?

According to ASA practice guidelines, a spinal block
spinal block
Spinal anaesthesia (or spinal anesthesia), also called spinal block, subarachnoid block, intradural block and intrathecal block, is a form of neuraxial regional anaesthesia involving the injection of a local anaesthetic or opioid into the subarachnoid space, generally through a fine needle, usually 9 cm (3.5 in) long.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Spinal_anaesthesia
or epidural is preferred for most cesarean deliveries
because the baby is exposed to the lowest amount of medication and the mother can still actively participate in the baby's birth. However, general anesthesia may be necessary in some cases.
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What happens if you need ac section but don't have an epidural?

If you didn't have an epidural, then your doctor may have to give you general anesthesia (meaning you won't be awake) and you'll meet your baby when you wake up.
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Can C-section be done without anesthesia?

Most C-sections are done under regional anesthesia—a spinal block or an epidural block—which numbs only the lower part of your body. That way you can remain awake. In some, uncommon cases, general anesthesia may be needed, but there are dangerous risks, like aspiration, Dr.
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Do you get a spinal or epidural for C-section?

Under most circumstances, undergoing a c-section via Spinal Anesthesia or Epidural Anesthesia (rather than General Anesthesia) is preferred since it involves less risk and has the advantage of allowing you to be awake during your baby's birth.
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Which anesthesia is better for C-section?

Regional anesthesia especially spinal anesthesia has been favored as the best choice for elective uncomplicated cesarean delivery due to its avoidance of the airway, less risk of aspiration of gastric content, and easy to perform (Shibli and Russell 2000; Kim et al. 2019).
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Spinal Block For C-Section



How long does a planned C-section take?

How long does the cesarean section procedure take? The typical c-section takes about 45 minutes. After the baby is delivered, your healthcare provider will stitch up the uterus and close the incision in your abdomen. There are different types of emergency situations that can arise during a delivery.
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Why are you awake during C-section?

With epidural and spinal regional anesthesia, the anesthetic is injected near the spine, which numbs the abdomen and legs to allow the surgery to be pain-free while allowing the mother to be awake.
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What hurts more epidural or spinal block?

Predicted pain for epidural and spinal insertion (epidural 60.6 +/- 20.5 mm, spinal: 55.1 +/- 24 mm) was significantly higher than the pain perceived (epidural 36.3 +/- 20 mm, spinal 46.1 +/- 23.2 mm) (epidural P < 0.001, spinal P = 0.031).
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How painful is a cesarean section?

You won't feel any pain during the C-section, although you may feel sensations like pulling and pressure. Most women are awake and simply numbed from the waist down using regional anesthesia (an epidural and/or a spinal block) during a C-section. That way, they are awake to see and hear their baby being born.
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How safe are planned C-sections?

A caesarean is generally a very safe procedure, but like any type of surgery it carries a certain amount of risk. It's important to be aware of the possible complications, particularly if you're considering having a caesarean for non-medical reasons. Possible complications include: infection of the wound or womb lining.
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Does spinal block for C-section hurt?

2. Most women want to know if they will feel anything during the C-section — yes and no. You should not feel sharp pain (like the scalpel or stitching sutures, etc.). You WILL feel tugging and pulling as your OB retracts your uterus and takes the baby out.
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What's better C-section or natural?

Which is safer: vaginal birth or C-section? Vaginal birth is much safer than a C-section for most women and babies. Sometimes a C-section is the only safe option, like when the baby is positioned side-to-side in the belly (transverse lie) or the placenta is covering the cervix (placenta previa).
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How can I avoid epidural?

9 ways to avoid an epidural
  1. Stay fit and healthy during pregnancy. ...
  2. Try yoga and meditation techniques. ...
  3. Set a cosy scene. ...
  4. Embrace your contractions. ...
  5. Trust your body. ...
  6. What about a doula? ...
  7. Dim the lights. ...
  8. Try to avoid medical induction.
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What can I get instead of an epidural?

Opioids (aka narcotics or analgesics) also ease labor pain, but they don't numb the body like an epidural. Instead, these meds (which include morphine, fentanyl, Nubain and Stadol) work on the nervous system to help block pain, resulting in a drowsy, calming state.
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How can I have a painless birth?

Some natural pain management methods include:
  1. Breathing techniques, such as those taught in Lamaze.
  2. Massage.
  3. Essential oils or aromatherapy.
  4. Meditation.
  5. Hypnosis.
  6. Music therapy.
  7. Taking a warm bath or shower.
  8. Walking around.
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Which is worse C-section or natural birth?

Women are three times more likely to die during a cesarean delivery than during a vaginal birth, due mostly to blood clots, infections and complications from anesthesia, according to a 2006 study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Which is more painful C-section or normal delivery?

Recovery times following C-sections are also typically longer than those following natural birth. Ultimately, a natural birth may be more painful than a cesarean section. However, the pain after your cesarean section combined with the heightened risks to you and your baby may outweigh the initial pain of childbirth.
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Can you poop during ac section?

You can poop regardless of the type of birth you have. It can take place on a toilet, on the delivery room bed, on a birthing ball, in a tub during a water birth, and everywhere in between. It can also happen leading up to a cesarean section, also known as a C-section.
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What is a walking epidural?

A walking epidural is a lighter anesthetic option that is given less frequently. This reduces sensation and pain from the pelvic region, but the laboring mother can feel more of her contraction and has more strength in her legs than with the regular epidural.
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How long does spinal block last after C-section?

The spinal allows the pain medication to quickly reach the nerve receptors transmitting the pain signals and provides pain relief for up to two hours, “which is anywhere from half an hour to an hour and a half longer than the surgery, so there is plenty of extra time,” Dr.
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What nerve is blocked during labor?

To relieve pain during the second (pushing) stage of labour, an injection called a pudendal block can be given through the vaginal wall and into the pudendal nerve in the pelvis. This numbs the area between the vagina and anus. It doesn't relieve the pain of contractions.
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How is the placenta removed during C-section?

There are various methods of delivery of placenta at caesarean section. These include placental drainage with spontaneous delivery, cord traction and manual removal. The last two methods: cord traction (usually combined with massage or expression of the uterus) and manual removal are frequently used.
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How long is hospital stay after C-section?

The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.
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Does your cervix open during C-section?

Background. During elective (planned) caesarean sections, some obstetricians routinely dilate the cervix intraoperatively, using sponge forceps, a finger, or other instruments, because the cervix of women not in labour may not be dilated, and this may cause obstruction of blood or lochia drainage.
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What is a gentle C-section?

What is a 'gentle C-section'? A “gentle C-section” brings elements of a vaginal delivery into the operating room – such as letting the mother watch the birth and hold her newborn right away. A C-section is major surgery.
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