C Section and fear of spinal

[GreenSlide]

Anyone have experience of this? I had an EMCS with my first baby and i have a bit of a fear of needles. It looks like I'll be having an ELCS with this baby due to various issues that can't really be helped. I've got over it to the extent that I can just about cope with the needles, and I did with my first, but it took them 4 goes first time to site the spinal and then there's getting the cannula in and I have terrible veins. I'm wondering if I can request a sedative or something to get me through the needley bits?

They won’t sedate you I don’t think, because it can cross the placenta and affect your baby.

I would look into some therapy before you give birth, it will give you techniques to use to keep yourself calm while they’re doing the needles.

I had a bit of a freak out when they tried to put a cannula in me, at that point it wasn’t for a CS but I ended up having an EMCS anyway. They put the cannula in my arm instead, where they normally take blood? Worked fine for me as by 40 weeks pg we’re all used to the needles in the arms I guess can’t really advise on the spinal as whilst I was petrified, it happened first time... perhaps with it being an ELCS it might help to think that your not in an emergency setting so if it takes a few go’s it won’t affect anything? you won’t be the first person to feel like this so definitely speak to the midwife!

My DS1 was an EMCS and DS2 was an ELCS. I am very difficult to cannulate - in theatre it took two consultants to get the line in; the junior doctor I saw before goi g in could only fit a child size in my wrist after multiple attempts. I also discovered 1st time round that I had a curved spine and again multiple attempts were made at the spinal that hurt me more than the incision during recovery.

Second time around I made sure these were all notes in my file. I spoke a lot about these concerns and made sure the first round of doctors had recorded it - there was evidence that it wasn't just me being a wuss.

The ELCS was a dream (well, no it wasn't but you know what I mean). Cannula in first time, spinal in first time. More than that, I felt listened to, respected, and not just like someone being nervous about needles.

Its tough - you have to push and advocate for yourself, and they don't want to talk about it til the last minute. But my second section was healing after the first. I'd almost have a third if I could guarantee it went like the second.

Good luck OP.

The spinal can often be more difficult in the emergency scenario partly because you're knackered/terrified/having contractions and the position we need isn't at all comfortable, and partly because the pressure of time can make things more difficult. Having had one difficult spinal doesn't necessarily mean a second one would be difficult and because you're not contracting and there's not time pressure so it's possible to take everything a bit more slowly. Even if it is still difficult, there's more time to let the local work and take things more slowly so it shouldn't be so stressful for you. They wouldn't normally sedate you for it though because of the risk to you and your baby with sedation at term.

Most women's veins become more prominent in pregnancy and being well hydrated, not in a rush, hopefully warm, (and not bleeding if that was an issue in the emergency) means that the cannula may also be easier.

If you're really anxious it's probably possible for you to see an anaesthetist way ahead of the usual pre-assessment date to discuss what you're worried about. If there are particular reasons why the spinal was difficult (like having an obvious scoliosis/ being very overweight/ having had back surgery) then it's quite important to see an anaesthetist ahead of time. Hope that helps... Good luck .

I didn't even think of the sedative crossing over to the baby sorry baby! Looks like I'll just have to get on with it then! I keep meaning to read about hypnobirthing just in case I go early and end up with a vagina birth or something so I guess I can use those techniques for the spinal.

I’m hoping to get an elective section and I’m terrified of this bit too. I can cope with having blood taken by looking away but I’ve never had a cannula in my hand and I’m dreading it and also dreading the bit when my partner needs to wait outside while a needle is put in my back 😩 I listened to Anna Williamson on Kate Lawler’s podcast maybe baby. She was talking about her section and how worried she was and the doctors gave her what they described as a ‘medical G&T’ which totally chilled her out so they must be able to give you something

I didn't see either needle for my spinal either time I had my DC. I had two c sections. I was fine with the drip having my DC. Afterwards was a nightmare though!

Planned sections tend to be lead by consultants ( may also have a jr with them) ,where emergency's are not and covered by jr staff. I would make the team aware that they had a hard time placing the spinal last time and request that the consultant do it this time.

It may well be completely different this time round.
I found it very tolerable.
Good luck!

A medical G&T is exactly what I need!

Maybe I can have an actual G&T? Smuggle one of those little tins in my hospital bag

@KindleRemote

I didn't see either needle for my spinal either time I had my DC. I had two c sections. I was fine with the drip having my DC. Afterwards was a nightmare though!

It's not seeing it that bothers me, it's having it repeatedly pushed into my spine

@GreenSlide 😂 I don’t see why not

@sarah13xx My husband has been with me both times while they're putting the spinal block in. I mean the midwife was more comfort, but he was there holding my hand both times trying not to chunder.

Where have you read you'd be alone for that?

I had small amount of local anaesthetic in the area over my spine they place the spinal block ( they use very fine needle that really does feel like a small scratch) this meant I didn’t feel the spinal needle at all.
With the cannula you can have a topical cream put over the sight before hand so you cannot feel the needle.
I’m a dentist so very experienced in giving local anaesthetics in much more sensitive area. I use a similar technique, using very small amount initially to numb the area first which means the main injection is pretty much pain free.

@SlidesAndLadders oh really? For electives? I have always heard they had to stay outside until it’s done then they come in when you’re lying down. Not that he’d be much help but just think it makes it even worse to have to go through that bit alone

Urgh I hate cannulas, I sympathise. Veins didn't cooperate when I needed a second one, had two registrars competing to get it sited 😂 Do you think they might let you have a puff or two of gas and air to make you go all floaty and indifferent while they do it? I know it's not the norm but I also know it helped me for vaginal examinations.
I had my epidural sited before anything much was happening and the anaesthetist said it was always a pleasure to do them in those circumstances because the patient was able to sit still and he wasn't time-limited between contractions so it was as easy as it ever can be. Doesn't change the idea of it but may help you relax a bit knowing the job is a lot easier to do and therefore more likely to go in first time?

@sarah13xx in the UK it’s completely normal for a partner to be in the room whilst the spinal’s being done for an elective section unless you don’t want them/ they don’t want to be (or they faint before it’s done! )

I had a local anaesthetic injected before they tried to site my epidural. Took 6 goes and I went from being polite and deferential to “what on EARTH are you doing?” The anaesthetist was insistent and even though I asked he just give up and do a spinal block, he stuck with it, and I’m very glad he did, as I needed a LOT of work afterwards and didn’t feel a thing as they just kept topping up the epidural.

Mine was honestly fine and I was terrified - a scratch, then just felt some pushing as if someone was sticking their knuckles into the gaps between my vertebrae, if that makes sense. That was an ELCS, have previously had EMCS with spinal.

The ELCS was a really positive experience and because I was terrified, they used numbing cream for the cannula and one of the theatre staff talked me through my breathing exercise for the spinal while my DH held my hand. The staff were brilliant - mine is a general medical phobia/birth trauma rather than needle focused but I made sure the midwife was aware and she made sure the staff all knew I was a wreck.

@Greybeardy I must watch too many American videos then 😂 think my OH would probably be worse than me while I’m getting it but if I have to go through it he should have to at least watch! 🙈