Scared about my spinal...

[Wannabuyawatch]

I have had two C-sections so will be having another one with my 3rd in December. My 2nd was an ELCS so had a spinal. I found it quite a shock; how quickly you go numb and had quite a drop in blood pressure so felt all faint and panicky for the first 5 mins. I was fine after that though.
I have spoken to my doc and he has told me they can prepare for the drop in blood pressure by giving you extra liquids via IV etc
Just really irrationally scared about this and really really want to hear some nice stories about having a spinal at the beginning of an ELCS plleeeese??

I had a spinal but it was fine and I didn't have any of the side effects you describe. Agreed, it is a very strange sensation as you feel it taking effect but I'm not sure they can do anything about. I'd just recommend you go with the IV fluids to be on the safe side but hopefully what happened to you last time was a one-off (eg perhaps your blood sugar was low or you were a bit dehydrated or something?). Good luck!

Hi, I've had 2 ELCS and will have my 3rd in Jan. I had drops in blood pressure periodically through both and I can relate to that faint, sicky, panicky feeling. Everytime I got them, the anaesthetist just pumped some stuff into my IV line and I was fine again. The anaesthetist monitors your blood pressure all the way through and I've been told they know about a drop in blood pressure before we even feel anything. I can relate to the fear though, as it's not a pleasant sensation.

Before you have the spinal just let the anaesthetist know your fears and let them reassure you that they are watching out for you. I also get DH to stand beside me and I let him know if I feel funny so he can tell them and talk for me in case i feel too faint, which I find reassuring. They've always said 'we know, we're just giving you something now' so I'm sure they really do know thier stuff!

Hope that helps.xx

I got a spinal tap at 8cm along w epidural and all I could think was: ah heaven! I was so happy it was instant pain relief, as at 8cm my contractions were non stop and unbearable!

I got a spinal at 8cm too, and boy, I could have kissed that anaesthetist. I was lying on my side curled up, so was lying down anyway for if I got dizzy. Hope it all goes well, very best wishes x

Thank you very much for all your replies xx