If you don't have epidural during labour do you have to be put to sleep for c-section?

Question

I met with an anaesthesiologist this morning at my hospital to make sure that I would have the option of an epidural when I go into labour as my midwife was unsure because I have scoliosis (curved spine). The anaesthesiologist said my scoliosis shouldn't be a problem with me getting an epidural so long as I tell the midwives as soon as I get to the hospital that I want the epidural right away. Apparently it's easier to do (because it's all about making their job easier when I'm the one in labour, right? 🙄) and more effective when you get it earlier in labour rather than later?

He also said I should get an epidural because if I don't and I wind up needing a c-section I'll have to go under general anaesthetic and be put to sleep, which would mean that I would miss my own child's birth. What the?! Surely that's not right and he's just trying to scare me into getting an epidural instead of trying to go naturally!

So mamas who wanted to give birth naturally, but at the last minute for whatever reason that couldn't happen and you needed a c-section, were you put to sleep for it? Or were they able to give you an epidural right before the c-section??

Answer

Watch the business of being born - it's on netflix if you have netflix. Hospitals push and push for you to get epidurals which cause the probability of ending up with a C-section yo skyrocket. Hospitals are a business. They get more money out of you if you get an epidural, and a SHIT TON more money if you end up getting a C-section. My friend just had a C-section and the bill she got was over $36,000. Thank god she has insurance! But seriously - watch the business of being born. I'd recommend it for all mommies.

Answer

In certain emergency situations, where you don't have an epidural and the anesthesiologist can't get a spinal block placed in time, you will be put under general anesthesia to get baby out. And often, if you are put under, no one is allowed into the OR with you. Most situations though, they should be able to at least get a spinal block placed and allow you to be awake for the birth.

Answer

To me it sounds like they want you to ask for the epidural earlier because it might take longer with your scoliosis?  Just my take on it though. Good luck hun. In the end the goal is to have a healthy baby so whatever gets you there will be worth it and the right way.

Answer

I was in labor for 26 hours had an epidural that they upped 3 times. Pushed for 2 hours then ended in a csection which I was awake for

Answer

They can also do a spinal block. Depending on the urgency of the c section they may need to put you to sleep. If it's not urgent they could probably do a spinal or epidural. If a c section is needed asap they'll probably put you under. I had an emergency c section, I had already got the epidural or else they would have needed to put me under. I wouldn't let it scare you though. Good luck!

If you don't have epidural during labour do you have to be put to sleep for c-section?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey