Swelling in spinal block spot?

Hi guys,

I noticed this morning when I looked in the mirror (I was looking for any signs of bruising from the spinal block) and noticed that the area where I had the spinal put in is REALLY swollen. And it extends across my back. Sort of looks like I have another roll of back fat there, but I don't.

Did anyone else have this after their spinal block? I had an epi for my first section, so have nothing to judge this by. It doesn't hurt when pressed, and is soft, so I'm guessing fluid of some type? Just wondering if I should be worried with this.

I do have trouble walking as my sciatica is really playing up and makes it difficult to walk (which is also making my stomach muscles pull on my stitches and makes it bleed!!) I don't think the sciatic pain is related as I had this all through my pregnancy, its just more advanced now I think... although we are trying to manage it through painkillers, massage and deep heat.

Anyway, did anyone else experience swelling like this? Not sure whether to be worried...

Thanks in advance!!!

Mel, I think it would be best to ring your midwives and ask them about it.

I had a little swelling around spinal injection site. It was painful when laying on back but that was about it. The swelling was about the size of a golf ball and also felt fluidy and was red and hot. This lasted for about eight weeks. I would get it check out if you require pain meds for it. Better to be safe than sorry. Congrats on the arrival of your DD.

Thanks dach -
DH called the midwives and they said basically if there is no pain when pressing on it, then it shouldn't be anything serious.. :rolleyes: She said that sciatica would have nothing to do with it either.

So I guess we'll just wait and see what happens!!!

Lucky it doesn't hurt.. lol