Yael
They prefer to do an epidural if possible. It has less problems than a General. I would still put it in your birth plan.

Min

Scenario 1 would be an epidural
Scenario 2 Would depend on the degree of distress. I would expect that you are going to be watched closely. And in that case would be able to pick up signs of early distress In this case it would be an epidural. If the distress was pronounced then it would be a general.
Ok this is a rough guide to what we do to give you an anaesthetic.

Epidural
Insert a catheter into your bladder
Put a needle into your arm and start some IV fluids
Shave (usually just a trim)
Take you into theatre
Have you sit on the edge of the bed trying to curl your back
Paint your back with an antiseptic wash
Give you a local anaesthetic into the skin
Put a needle and a thin tube into your spine
Remove the needle
Attach plastic tube to syringe and inject drug
Drug can take up to 15 minutes to work and sometimes needs more than one dose
Put a mask on your face and connect you to the oxygen
Paint your tummy with antiseptic wash

General
Insert a catheter into your bladder
Put a needle into your arm and start some IV fluids
Shave (usually just a trim)
Take you into theatre
Inject a drug into the needle in your arm
You are asleep within 10 seconds
Put a tube down your throat and connect it to the oxygen and other gasses
Paint your tummy with antiseptic wash