C-section and GA

[thistlemuncher]

OK, I know labour is a long way away, but I'm thinking through scenarios! all the info I read about C-sections assumes that you have an epidural unless it's a real emergency. Is it not possible to have an elective c-section under GA? If not, why not?

There was only one thing I put in my birth plan last time and that was no epidural under any circumstances and I mean to do the same this time (although to be honest I just assumed that I wouldn't need a c-section). But what if baby is in the wrong position or something happens that means I need a non-emergency c-section? Can I insist on a GA? Did anyone else choose this?

Because I have a back problem and it was an emergency where there was no epidural in place with DC1 I had a GA.With DC2 I had a spinal as it was felt that without the rush of an emergency situation it would be perfectly safe.
I far preferred the spinal.
I don't remember the first 24 hours of my first daughters life as I was so high from the GA and morphine and I certainly wasn't capable of holding her by myself.As it was an emergency I am just glad the Dr's did whatever it took and I would do the same again if it was the safest for my baby.
But I would no way choose GA over spinal.I treasure the memories of holding my 2nd daughter in the recovery room.
Please ask them all the questions you need to so you can establish in your own mind the actual risks in each scenario,and tell them about your concerns.

I hate the idea of having an epidural, but I would definitely choose one over GA given the option. The recovery is awful, and missing out on those first moments is really sad. The only memories I have of that day are of feeling completely wasted and incapable of moving. I couldn't even lift my head up to look at my ds when he was first brought over. It saved his life so it's great that it's there when necessary, but I would avoid it if you can.

I had a planned CS under general, due to obscure medical condition. I fasted for 24 hours beforehand and took tablets 12 and 6 hrs before, to reduce the risk of aspirating vomit (which is RELATIVELY high with a GA on pregnant women).
Obviously whatever GA you have the baby also has, so they need to do everything before they put you under (shave, catheter, drip lines etc etc).
They then need to get baby out very very quickly, to minimse its exposure to the drugs. So end up with a LOT of bruising afterwards as the surgeon needs to move very quickly and so there's a lot more yanking and pulling than with a typical epidural (apparantly - I don't remember that part!!).

I was so out of it on drugs that can't remember anything at all about my babies first 12 hours. Nothing. I definitely didn't have a rush of maternal love. The day after I remember lying there looking at this little stranger and vaguely missing the baby that I'd been carrying around.

My DH couldn't come into the theatre becuase it was a GA; they brought DD through to him afterwards and he says that he thought she was a cute wee baby, but felt no further attachment to her than that. He was so shocked by the state I was in when they wheeled me back from surgery that he won't consider having a second child.

I didn't want to speak to anyone at any kind of length afterwards in case they realised that I couldn't remember my dd's first day and had had no rush of maternal love.

I think had I been prepared for how I would feel after, I might've coped better. If you do have a GA then please be sure you really understand what you might feel like afterwards and are prepared for it. And look into the risks as well.

I had an EMCS under a GA and I really wouldn't recommend it. Your partner won't be allowed in with you and not seeing your baby born could have a real affect on you. It did with me.