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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Why can't my partner be in the room

68 replies

Number3cometome · 25/02/2015 20:40

When I have a C-section under a general anaesthetic?

Someone, anyone can you please explain to me where this rule came from?

OK I will be asleep, but OH doesn't want to miss it?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Only1scoop · 25/02/2015 20:42

Hi Op I don't think they can under a Ga....have you got to have a Ga? Is a spinal not an option?

ireallydontlikemonday · 25/02/2015 20:43

Usually because a crash section under GA is pretty traumatic.

Are you having a GA - is it planned for a pre-existing medical condition?

TendonQueen · 25/02/2015 20:44

I assume it's in case anything unexpected happens and any extra person would be in the way. I had a planned CS and was told that if it ended up being done under general that would be the way. Is there no way you could go for local?

OddBoots · 25/02/2015 20:47

When under a GA a person needs to be intubated which can look quite upsetting for loved ones. There is also the increased possibility of minor complications as a result of the GA with both the mother and the baby that staff are very used to dealing with but which may cause distress to a partner.

SurlyCue · 25/02/2015 20:48

The partner is there to support the patient and as you would be unconscious then you dont need support beyond what the staff will provide. A GA is a big deal with risks and a non essential person in theatre could actually hinder life saving treatment if necessary.

Turquoisetamborine · 25/02/2015 20:53

I had a CS under GA and when the theatre door opened to give H our baby, he could see me fitting on the table. He tried to run in to me but they held him back. Apparently fitting is quite common. It would be upsetting to see though.

SauvignonBlanche · 25/02/2015 20:57

I had 2 EMCS both under GA, I agree that the purpose of the birth partner is to support the mother and if you're anaesthetised then that isn't possible.

Original poster

Number3cometome · 25/02/2015 21:05

I had eclampsia (seizures) with DS, he was born under a GA.
DD pre eclampsia csection under a spinal (not epidural)

Since had a spinal fusion so unlikely a spinal can be done - seeing an anaesthetist next week.

I am not at all afraid of the operation and I don't need the support - i more feel bad for OH ??

OP posts:

Original poster

Number3cometome · 25/02/2015 21:06

I would never do anything to hinder staff so won't push it, just didn't get why

OP posts:

SauvignonBlanche · 25/02/2015 21:13

I felt for DH too and tried to have the second under spinal so he could be there but it wasn't to be and he was whisked away.

The staff bring the baby to the father straight away, he gets a cuddle with them whilst you're sewn up and recovered.

ladybunnikins · 25/02/2015 21:14

Have you asked if they could accommodate your request in any way? It would be very out of the norm, though. Reasons (sorry if brutal, I know you have to have a GA due to spinal fusion):

You're not just asleep, you are unconscious and paralysed, a tube is put down your throat and a machine is doing your breathing for you. Does he really want to see all this?
Your partner is only there normally to support you, not as a spectator.
They don't bother having a screen up with a GA normally, he will see the surgery.
There is nobody in the room to answer his questions or look after him if he feels faint/gets upset.
The baby will get some of the GA, especially since it is your 3rd LSCS and there will be some scar tissue so they will take their time getting the baby out, and may need a bit more resuscitation than normal.
Because having a spectator is out of the norm, the theatre staff will feel more uncomfortable and this may affect their job performance.
Intubation can be more difficult in pregnant patients (failed intubation about 1 in 300). During this process, the patient can go blue due to lack of oxygen, death extremely rare because we usually manage to intubate/ventilate somehow but having a very distressed relative present during this process would be horrible.
Blood loss more likely with a GA LSCS.

(obstetric anaesthetist)

Original poster

Number3cometome · 25/02/2015 21:18

Oh god!!!

OP posts:

slippermaiden · 25/02/2015 21:19

They can get on with the Caesarian much quicker if you are under anaesthetic. That is why they usually do it, because it's an emergency. Not sure why u are having a planned one. So because of this it would be very odd if your partner was there, he would be able to see you open on the table, they don't put the screen up so he could faint, it just wouldn't be right.

Original poster

Number3cometome · 25/02/2015 21:19

How rare is death?

OP posts:

Original poster

Number3cometome · 25/02/2015 21:21

I'm having a planned one because I had eclampsia in labour. I have a heart condition due to this, high BP and a spinal fusion. I have also had 2 sections so in my case a VBAC is not an option.

OP posts:

Original poster

Number3cometome · 25/02/2015 21:21

Yeah I think he'd rather miss the birth!

OP posts:

ladybunnikins · 25/02/2015 21:22

Sorry if that was too much, just thought you wanted answers. Death due to failed intubation is only 1 per 100,000 (compared to 10 per 100.000 overall risk of death due to pregnancy and childbirth).

ladybunnikins · 25/02/2015 21:24

Leaflet written by anaesthetists about GA for caesarean with risks here

strawberryangel · 25/02/2015 21:25

Jesus ladybunnikins, you do realise that the op has to go through this, don't you? They clearly don't teach compassion and tact at medical school.

weeblueberry · 25/02/2015 21:31

The OP asked the question. Surely it's no surprise there's always a risk with any form of surgery??

Bakeoffcake · 25/02/2015 21:32

lady I know you're only trying to be helpful but I think your post is far too graphic.

I'm found it traumatic and I had my CS 20 years ago. I'd hate to be going for one soon, having read that. Could you possibly get it deleted?

countessmarkyabitch · 25/02/2015 21:34

Woman asked for info, go info. No need to treat her like a delicate little flower who can't be told the reality of what will happen to her own body.
Knowledge is power, lets not pretend we need to fluffy it all up for the ladies!

countessmarkyabitch · 25/02/2015 21:35

*got, not go.

And please, HQ, do not delete. This is a knowledge sharing site, don't shelter us from reality.

Bakeoffcake · 25/02/2015 21:36

No Countess, there's a difference between giving info and being graphic which scares the shit out of some people

ladybunnikins · 25/02/2015 21:38

I'm sorry if it was too much, I'll report my post. I am also pregnant so all the risks of pregnancy/childbirth apply to me to, but unfortunately I know all about them!

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