C-section under a spinal, what are you aware of?

[Nymphadora]

My previous 2 were under GA and I feel I should try a spinal again (dd1s didn't work). BUT I am terrifed of hospitals.

If I am awake I'm likely to be panicing although DH is v good at calming me it depends how far gone I get.

What were you aware of feeling ? I have heard people talk of 'pulling'

and what were you aware of happening around you?

Dd1 was a planned section and I know I wasn't out for very long so a GA doesn't scare me as much but I would like those first moments.

Oh, I'm so pleased it's all ok! We're still ttc - am on the 2ww now but still too early for symptom spotting! Everyone around me seems to be announcing their pregnancies so am hoping their good luck rubs off on me soon. Can't believe you're 17 weeks already! I hope the rest goes smoothly for you. Honestly, the spinal was fine, if you can manage to be awake go for it! xxx

Well everyone has said it all really,but I've had two,second one takes longer than the first (scar tissue).I felt the pulling and tugging and I felt slightly spacey and faint at times,anaesthetist sorted the faintness out though.I also felt a bit shaky,possibly fright.It was fine really,even though I was scared about the spinal bit that didn't hurt,and it was so amazing seeing my babies lifted up and hearing their first cries,I would have hated to be knocked out under a GA.Also meant I breastfed quickly each time and my DH could hold the baby next to me until I could feed in the recovery room.

Decaf- I nosy at the ante natalthreads & the buses to see if anyone I know graduates!

you could always ask for a PCA (patient controlled analgesia) if youre worried about the pain after the spinal has worn off

I'm worried about being awake!

PCA sounds good though, is it better than waiting for Drs to give meds? Had allergic reactions last time to something, possibly morphine.

I had a planned section and I was very nervous about the entire thing as I had never been cut open before. I also had a severe phobia of needles which did not help the situation.

I was able to speak to the consultant Anaesthetist about all of my worries and she answered all of my questions. Perhaps this is something you should do. The anaesthetist also advised me that I could have some medication to relax me prior to having my spinal because of my needle phobia.

I also spoke at length to the consultant about the delivery who informed me of everything that would happen and this eased things slightly for me. Have you done this?
Some consultants will tell you exactly each step of the procedure if that is what you want.

Even though I was supposed to have an ELCS I went into labour 4 weeks early and had a EMCS after 9 hours of labour. This threw most things that were discussed to pot! I ended up getting a spinal whilst I was having a contraction about every 10 seconds and as I had gas and air prior to going into the OR they would not give me anything else to relax me. The freezing needle was the worst bit but it was no worse then my contractions.

It is very, very strange but you will be surprised how ok it will be.

A rummaging feeling mostly. Towards the end it felt like they were kneading bread on my lower half. But totally numb from lower chest down, it was very odd indeed.

My first CS was under GA (no choice, crash section and no time etc)and being awake was so much better. I chatted to DH and the aneasthetist throughout, mostly saying how nice it was to be awake and talking drivel. Would have been nicer not to be having another EMCS at 3am after long latent labour again but hey ho.

I did feel a bit faint/dizzy at one point but I was already lying down safely and just needed a bit more fluid/drugs in. Would definately have a spinal again if ever have DC3 (as I would have an elective next time)