Obstetrical Anesthesia

Spinal Anesthesia
Spinal anesthesia involves the insertion of a thin needle between the spaces of your spinal bones in the spinal canal and a single injection of a local anesthetic directly into the fluid that surrounds the nerves in that area.  This results in complete loss of pain, sensation and movement from the waist down.

Spinal anesthesia is most commonly used for Cesarean deliveries, but also occasionally for vaginal births.  It cannot be used during labor.  It is administered just before the delivery and provides pain relief for the birth, the episiotomy and its repair.  With spinal  anesthesia you will be awake, comfortable and able to watch the birth of your baby.  As with epidural anesthesia, complications associated with the administration of spinal anesthesia are also rare.  A fall in blood pressure may sometimes occur.  If this is the case, you will be given intravenous solutions and oxygen and be turned on your left side. 

Likewise, spinal anesthesia is sometimes followed by a headache. If the headache is severe, there are special treatments available.

General Anesthesia
There are situations, in the case of emergencies, for example, when it may be necessary to give you general anesthesia.  You will be put to sleep with an intravenous injection of anesthetic medication.  Once you are asleep, a breathing tube is placed in your windpipe, and other anesthetic agents are used in order to maintain your unconsciousness and relaxation.

Once the surgery is finished, the anesthetic agent is discontinued.  When you awaken, the tube will be removed from your windpipe.  Although you will be awake, drowsiness will persist for some time. 

Serious complications of general anesthesia are unusual.  Probably the most serious complications are regurgitation and aspiration of food.  This is why it is important that you not eat or drink anything once your labor begins.

The anesthesiologist will give you a fluid antacid to drink prior to the administration of anesthesia to minimize the risks of complications from aspiration.

Some Reminders
The choice of anesthesia for your delivery is important both for your comfort and safety and for the well-being of your baby.  We encourage you to ask questions of your obstetrician before your baby’s due date or to contact the Anesthesiology Department at the hospital if you should require any additional information. 

Prepared by the Department of Anesthesiology at Women & Infants Hospital, this information was developed for patients as a guide.  It is not intended as a substitute for informed consent, which will be explained to you when you sign your hospital consent forms.

Other Strategies for Pain Relief
In addition, we have non-traditional remedies for pain relief.  Our nurses and doctors will offer you options that include:
• jacuzzi  
• breathing techniques
• showers 
• back rubs
• birthing balls  
• music (we encourage you to bring in your favorite CDs and tapes)
• rocking chairs  
• walking corridors  
• aromatherapy