Can you opt for elcs under GA?

[wingingit33]

I'm due a section in around 7 weeks time. It'll be my second section. Last time I absolutely hated the feeling of paralysis it scared the life out of me and I was hyperventilating during the whole procedure. Can you opt for a section under GA? Or is that cat1 emergencies only?

They definitely prefer not to because of your recovery time and the risks of bleeding etc are higher if you are anaesthetised. They will try and persuade you for a spinal but if you really want a GA and you have rational reasons I would ask to speak to an anaesthetist prior to going in for your surgery. It does happen but it’s far from common. X

If I remember rightly babies born with mums under general anaesthetic can be more sleepy so need help with their breathing when born. Would you consider light sedation instead?

Spinal is preferred usually because, for a number of reasons, it’s safer for mum and baby. GA is usually only done when there isn’t time for a spinal/the spinal fails/there’s a medical contraindication to spinal. Sedation for c-section is not usually an appropriate option. If you have real concerns about spinal then it’s probably worth asking to see an anaesthetist in clinic before the date so they can go through your worries and explain the risks/benefits of both as they apply specifically to you. Hope it goes well. (DOI: anaesthetist)

Thank you. I presume I can ask my midwife to arrange for me to see an anaesthetist? Or do I go through GP?

I got a GA signed off. Was referred to speak to a consultant anesthetist who asked my reasons, explained the risks and wrote a detailed plan for both GA and spinal. Whilst it was clear both consultants (obstetrician and anesthetist) had a clear preference and wanted me to pursue a better experience awake, they were both hugely supportive.

As it happened, dc2 had other ideas and I went into labour beforehand. I ended up being convinced to try a spinal by the amazing obstetrician who delivered her but they agreed if I struggled they'd knock me straight out. Would that be an option? Despite my fears (I passed out with my 1st having first had some horrific flashbacks and hallucinations and ended up totally losing the plot), watching her emerging from me like a butterfly shedding it's cocoon was one of those miraculous moments I'll never forget.

@Dinosauratemydaffodils that's really helpful and I'm glad you got the experience you deserve