Spinal or epi?

[visitor1]

Im doing up my birth preferences at the moment but not to sure on the difference.

Whats better....a spinal or epi and why?

[Lady-bug]

Hi...I have no idea what the difference is but I had two attempted epi's that didn't work then a spinal which did...I have no idea why, I didn't ask.

I realise that doesn't answer your question but I just thought I would share.

Good luck with it all!

[Indadhanu]

Hi kim, I'm the opposite, the tried to do a spinal block, three time, couldn't get it in or something, so just topped up the epi. I think the spinal gives more pain relief but for not as long?

[Brunette01]

Isnt th diff that they inject into a different layer? I think thats what I've read somewhere, like a spinal works more on the surface than an epi...?

[Arimeh]

Kim - I've had both. WIth the epi, the line is kept in you so they can top up if necessary. Spinal is just one needle - in and out.

I had a spinal last time - and it wears off quicker (well it did for me)

[Mother Goose]

The primary difference between the two is the space in which the needle and drug are inserted. They can use the same drug for both. It depends on your body as to how quickly it wears off for each of them, however, a spinal is usually used for long term numbness (and pain relief) after a proceedure.

A spinal is *usually* easier to control in terms of where the block is.

Theorectically, you will be up quicker with en epidural than a spinal. In terms of pain relief and numbness for the procedure, they are much of a muchness.

HTH

MG