Does it hurt when you have epidural/spinal??

[fifisworld]

I had epidutral with ds but was 'high as a kite' from gas and air so cant remember feeling anything.
Im booked in for elective c/s next thursday and im not sure what to expect when i have my spinal, or are you numbed first, given g&a etc??

Thanks claraq - Ive heard a lot of people saying they were sick as well, i wasnt last time but was so out of it i might have felt sick just cant remember it.
I've been told i'll probably be allowed out on the sat all being well so thats 2 nights but i will see how i am coz i only had to stay the 1 night with ds.

OOhh, im getting scared now

the spinal was fine for me but I felt very sick for a few minutes until they put something in the drip.

hi fifi, they swapped hands for my catheter too! The first one was a botch job and I had blood pouring out (erm, not to scare you).

I had the shakes throughout my c-section and felt very cold. It could be that it WAS very cold (I only had a thin sheet over my front) or I was frightened as well.

But it did not affect bf-ing. Ds was put on my chest and he got on with it.

I've had 3 epidurals - 2 of which I wasn't even in labour so no pethedine or g&a to take my mind of it.

I don't think they hurt. The local anasthetic stings a bit as it goes in, then by the time the bigger epidural needle goes in your back is numb.

I think the shaking is something to do with the drugs - I remember shaking uncontrollably after the operation. It could also be to do with shock - even though you know what's happening, I still think you are putting your body through a lot.

Fifi, have just read your posts on the dec thread. You will be absolutely fine. I suspect that having another LO at home will help you recover faster. It is a very emotional time and sometimes letting some of those emotions out is exactly what you need.

Looking forward to reading your birth story - and hopefully posting mine soon too!

Vomiting is pretty common, spinals can drop your blood pressure fairly quickly. If you say you feel iffy, faint whatever the anaesthetist should give you something into your drip to increase your blood pressure and stop you feeling sick.

Shakes are also quite common, no really good reason for them, except that perhaps the brain is confused as it doesnt get any temperature information from the anaesthetised areas so assumes you are cold, so shakes the bits that will move to try and warm you up. Wears off as the spinal wears off.

I had a spinal with my dd as an emergency c/section and i can't remember any pain, not even when they put in the canular( think that's what you call it!lol)

I'm sure you'll cope just fine and GOOD LUCK, hope everything goes well for you and enjoy your new precious bundle