Allergy to anesthetic - effect on labour options

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Hi all, I'm looking for some advice in relation to a possible anesthetic allergy and if it will effect me having an epidural during labour or having an emergency C-section (hoping someone on here has experience of this or knows someone who has experience of this). I am a FTM so this is all new to me. So some time ago I was give general anesthetic for a tooth extraction and I had a bad reaction as soon as it was administered (it was only a very small amount as I was only out for about 10 minutes) but when I came round I was coughing heavily and had been the whole time I was under (felt sorry for the dentist trying to pull the tooth ahaha!!!) I don't know whether to ask the midwife when I speak to them about this and see if they can test me for an allergy or call my GP and request it now that I am pregnant? I am only 8/9 weeks pregnant but want to be prepared :) thanks in advance x

I am allergic to a drug used in anaesthesia. I mentioned it to my midwife at booking (they specifically ask about allergies) and she referred me for an anaesthetic consultation which was scheduled for 36 weeks but ended up taking place at 28 weeks for various reasons. He asked lots of questions about what the drug is, what reactions it caused, when it took place, what the operation was etc etc.

Were you given details of the drug at the time or referred for allergy testing back then? They won't allergy test whilst you are pregnant, but might suggest getting it done for future reference after the baby is born.

In my case the drug won't affect me having a spinal block (elcs), but it's all over my notes in case they have to put me under.

Hi OP, not sure specifically about anestestic but I am allergic to a variety of medicines including blood thinners and have other medical issues which make anaesthetic difficult. Just tell the consultant / midwife, whoever you are dealing with and they will be able to advise. For me, all my issues were dealt with and they came up with solutions and made sure I had a consultation with the anaesthetic consultant a couple of weeks prior to delivery. I had an epidural no problem.

I know epidural is different to general so I cant imagine it would be an issue but I am sure they will get you a consultation to make sure :)

Thank you both for your responses I appreciate it :) I will mention it to the midwife when I get a call and see what they say. I'm severely allergy to nuts and have been since I was 9 years old and when I had my tooth extraction it was the first time I had been under for anything. When I came round I just remember uncontrollably coughing which is what I do first if I am having a reaction to a nut (if I eat one by accident!) I recall the anesthetist being very concerned and said that I must be very sensitive to alot of things. Thank you for your responses they have been most helpful :) x

@monstamio I don't know what I was given that day so I might do some digging and see if my dentist can tell me specifically what it was as this will probably help :) x

I have a rare condition that means I can't have inhaled anaesthetic agents but I'd be OK for IV analgesia and for an epidural.

I was seen by anaesthetists both times and they just advised to ask for an epidural early to avoid a crash C section. I cheerfully ignored them and had 2 natural births with gas and air.
They were informed and 'put on stand by' when I was admitted but it wasn't necessary either time.

You really need to know exactly what you are allergic to as there are lots of alternatives and it's unlikely you can't have any anaesthetic at all. It just might need a bit of planning.

@Theld thank you for your response. I'm going to call the dentist next week to see if they can tell me what I was given. I definitely had a canuler when I had my tooth out but all I remember is counting down and I was out. Don't know if I inhaled anything after :/ all I know if that my mum, who drove me there as I wasn't allowed to drive after, could hear me coughing from the waiting room as did everyone else who were sitting there nervously waiting for their turn ahaha 😂 I was given an antihistamine after and had to waiting their longer than usual to make sure it had worked...all I wanted to do was be at home and I was kinda not with it so didn't bother asking anymore questions about speaking to the GP about it or what I was actually given (sometimes I can be a bit drippy) 😂 x

You need to mention this to your midwife and request a referral to the obstetric anaesthetic clinic. They will look into this for you. It may turn out to be nothing (and you can be reassured), or a plan can be put in place. You will not be tested whilst pregnant.

@Anaesthetist83 thank you for your advice! I will certainly mention it when I speak to them :)

@Anaesthetist83 thank you for your advice! I will certainly mention it when I speak to them :)

To be honest, it doesn’t sound like an allergy at all from what you have described - but is clearly worth someone being able to read the notes in advance and clearly work things out.

Hi OP! Im allergic to an anaesthetic called suxemathonium which i was tested for aged 10 (hereditary - my dad ended up in a coma, thankfully recovered). They use it as one of 2 drugs in labour apparently so have spoken with anaesthetist (i’m 34/40 gone) who has said they just need to “make sure to use the other drug in the fridge” 🙄 which as you can imagine filled me with confidence!! I have now made a big red label for my notes with it on the front and am waiting to hear how/when baby will be tested as needs to be via paediatrician. I have also got a car i carry which other half will be showing anyone who he comes into contact with if i am admitted (going for home birth)

Did you have the extraction in a dental practice? Or a hospital. Mention it to your midwife, they will most likely know where to go. You need to find out what agent it was and get allergy tested, your GP might have a record or the hospital/practice you had the GA. Its quite normal to cough excessively after coming round from a general aneasthetic though

I seem to recall part of my booking appointment they asked if i had any allergies including medication, definitely bring it up if they don't.
I think it is common to ask whenever you are admitted into hospital too so that they are working from the most up to date information especially as allergies can be dangerous.
You will get your maternity notes soon and you will have to take these everywhere with your, it might be worth attaching a note to say you have this allergy to the front cover.