Spinal Block vs Epidural?

StarKrayzie

I found out earlier this week I'll more then likely have a c-section. I'm perfectly ok w/ it. The problem I have is the epidural. I had a horrible experience w/ it when I had my daughter 5 years ago that's left me with major back problems. I got another epidural w/ my son 16m ago & everything went fine. I'm terrified now because I was gonna try to go natural or just use IV meds. I would like to know from other moms what they preferred Epidural or Spinal Block? Does one hurt more then the other?

mommyo3soon2b4

I have had both and also put to sleep during my c-section. With my first epidural....it was great no problems, 2nd one put to sleep due to infection and fever, 3rd had a spinal...didn't really notice a difference except i got a spinal headache because it caused my spinal fluid to leak. To fix this they had to go back in w another needle and do a spinal tap(i think that's what it was called). It was 7years ago and the headache was the worst i have ever had and i am prone to migraines. But the chances of that happening are or were like 1 in a 1000. Im just special;-)

azmom

I had both I prefer spinal less pain for me n less side effects

StarKrayzie

@mommyo3soon2b4 What was your recovery like being put to sleep? I've been considering it just to avoid having to choose between the epidural & spinal.

@azmom What were your side effects w/ the spinal & how long did you have to recover til you could see your baby?

mommyo3soon2b4

I hated being put to sleep because i didn't get to see my baby right after birth...the recovery time with all 3 of my c-sections was about the same. I was up walking around within a couple of hours and didn't experience a lot of pain at home. I don't remember how long the wake up time was though....that one was almost 10 year ago. When my hubby gets home I will ask him.

mommyo3soon2b4

But with the epi and spinal i saw babies right after they were born. Both my first 2 had to go to nicu so that was different. My son which i had the spinal with...i was back in a room nursing him within 30min of his birth.

StarKrayzie

@mommy03soon2b4 Thanks for the info. I'm having such a hard time deciding what to do.

mommyo3soon2b4

Well...i would tell you that if it was me and with this baby....i will not ever be put to sleep again during delivery unless it was medically necessary. I missed everything of my 2nd daughters birth. I will be getting a spinal or epidural. Good luck with your decision.

rockinmomma

I got a c-section on Tuesday and had a spinal, I loved it! Lol. No pain the only issue was after I got really, really itchy!

StarKrayzie

@rockinmomma I think I'm leaning toward a spinal. Although being itchy doesn't sound fun at all. How long did that last? Maybe I should pack extra Benedryl lol

rockinmomma

They will give you medicine to stop the itching through your iv but it lasted about 16hrs.

StarKrayzie

@rockinmomma Damn! That's a long time. I think I'll google spinals & get more info. Thanks again.