When u have a planned c-section u usually have a spinal block (thinner needle used and the same effectiveness according to the midwife and OB I was talking to the other day). I asked when they would put the cath in before or after the spinal block and they told me after so u wont feel a thing which is good cos its quite uncomfortable. They also dont break your waters until u are being operated on (I asked all these questions on Wednesday at the pre op consultation with the midwife at the hospital). This info could be different for other hospitals too. Hope it helped a bit though