Epidural vs spinal tap???

[HayShang]

Hi all,

I am having an elective c-section in January for the birth of my 2nd bub. With my first child, I had an emergency c-section after 17 hours of full-on labour and was given an epidual, which had to be topped up as I could feel them inside me trying to reach bub once they cut me open and it hurt like hell!

This time round, I'm wondering if you have a choice of an epidural or spinal tap or if you get whatever the anaethetist prefers??? If you get a choice, what do you guys recommend? WHat are your experiences and what is the difference between the 2, as I don't really understand what a spinal tap is .

Thanks,

Hayley.

[PinkPalace]

Hi there
I havent had either but worked in theatre in anaesthetics with c/s.

If you have a Spinal you will be paralysed from the waist down - you cannot move and you recovery will be a little longer than an epidural.

If you have an epidural you will be numbed from the waist down but still able to move (this is what you had last time - i am sorry for your bad experience).

Personally i would have an epidural if i ever needed to have one.

[HayShang]

Thanks for your reply PinkPalace -very interesting and helpful

[Ryatha]

I had an epi first time and didn't like it - I didn't like it in my back... so elected a spinal the second time. It was a bit strange not feeling or moving my legs but it seemed to wear off quicker and i did't have anything in my back they had to take out. given the option I would choose a spinal again. HTH

[willow5]

Ok I understand how an epidural is administered, but how is a spinal tap done?

[boobaloo]

i had a spinal tap and it was great! you have an iv, not sure what's in it, then the put the needle into your spine with the anathstetic in it. i had no problems with recovery.