Has anyone had a C- Section under GA?

[tigerlilt]

Posting again as i’ve had it confirmed that I will need to go under general anesthesia for my c- section due to previous spinal surgery; also likely to be a semi- emergency as it’s highly likely I’ll go into labour before my elective date.

Im absolutely terrified, my main fears are affects on baby and also awareness of the procedure myself- i’ve heard that this is more common in c-sections than other surgeries.

Has anyone had a C-section under GA who would be happy to share their experience? I’ve gone into panic mode!

Thankyou!

I had a c-section under a general with DC2 because my baby was distressed during labour/his heart rate had gotten too low and they needed to get him out asap. One minute I was trying to shuffle over onto the bed in theatre, next thing I knew I was in a recovery room with my baby in the bassinet. He wasn't breathing when he was born but they got him breathing, he didn't need any help after that and 3 years on he is a happy healthy cheeky little chap.

With DC1 (also an emergency c-section but not quite as much of an emergency) I was able to be concious for the procedure/it was a spinal or whatever it's called. I didn't feel anything either time, both were fine. The only difference being that I had a numb big toe for 6 weeks after having DC1 but with DC2 I had full sensation after recovering from the GA.

Congratulations OP, hope all goes smoothly.

the risk of awareness is higher than with non-obstetric anaesthetics, but it still isn't high risk (because the risk of accidental awareness is very low generally). The paediatricians will be there to support the baby if they need anything - usually its nothing very dramatic though.

I had an EMCS that needed GA due to urgency so probably not going to be the same experience

I had an emergency C section under GA with DC1 due to the epidural failing. Like a previous poster baby was born not breathing but is a happy, healthy 11 year old now! Baby was in distress beforehand so this may have contributed and they had to get him out quickly. DH had skin to skin with baby and stayed with him whilst I was in recovery. Was high as a kite in recovery so couldn’t complain about any pain!! DH on the other hand was a crying mess- with happiness!! Out of my 3 c sections, it was probably the easiest with being under GA and not feeling anything at all!

Good luck OP.