[Blcooper32]

Between a spinal block and an epi? I have to register for one early since I'm high risk but I have never had either. Tia for any answers...

[dickersons09]

Epidural is left in and I've heard they don't work as well with csections. Spinal they do and then take out and the effects of it remain for a few hours. I had a spinal with DS.

Spinal Block : American Pregnancy Association

[Punky.Brew]

My one experience with and epi was with my first and I did not appreciate it as it did not take. I had to be given a spinal later after I needed the c-section.

I have had all spinals since with each c-section.

I was also told that the epi has to be monitored continually to be effective. Meaning they will have to continually dose you with meds throughout the procedure and for as long as needed to be numb.

With the spinal, it's one and done. Also, it lasts longer in case the surgery takes longer and has pain meds built in for after the numb effect wears off there is no need for extra pills until about 24 hours after the spinal.

Everyone is different, as are their reactions to the meds. Can you talk to your doctor or the hospital anesthesiologist to get a better idea of what might be the best choice for you?

If not, I would recommend the spinal.

[crystalcherry]

I would not recomend a spinal for pain management for a vaginal birth. I had to have one because they did not have time to set up for the epidural since they had a c-section to do. They only gave me a 30 minute dose because they thought they would be back to do the epidural. They never made it back and the 30 minutes was more like 15 and I ended up with no pain meds for the rest of labor and the delivery.

[Blcooper32]

I go to the dr on the 15th and plan on asking. I would do it with nothing like I did with dd but since it's twins and they may have to put their hand in to get baby be out right or I may end up with a csection which I don't want but if it has to be then ok I will live. I have a bad spot in my back that kinda has me worried as to what putting a needle in might cause it to do...:/

[Punky.Brew]

I assumed you were having a csection, I'm sorry.

I would definitely only so the spinal if a csection is necessary. If you're fearful of your back issues, then I would say try to go med free. But it is great to be prepared for any situation that could arise.

I bet your doc will give you some valuable input.

[dickersons09]

I have scoliosis and was able to get a spinal and the curve in my spine is right where they had to administer it. I'm sure it'll be fine

[Blcooper32]

Mine is a nerve that isn't where it should be. I loose feeling to my pelvic area and legs all the time. I wish they would let me go drug free but my dr makes it mandatory in multiple pregnancy to have something for pain. O well I guess they will fill me in the 15th. I hate not having a choice in the matter. And most likely he will want to do a csection anyway.

[anexia]

Ive never had a spinal and I dont usually get any meds but my dr also required anestesia with multiples. I had an epidural with my twin and It was plenty. They monitor you very closely and upped my dosage when they had to manipulate baby b and I didnt feel anything. They even ended up c/s baby b and the epiduaral was plenty. I will say that if they do much manipulating of the babies during labor/ delivery make sure you take whatever drugs they offer after. I thought I didnt need them and I was in so much pain I really wish I just took the drugs. It got better after an hour or so but it was rough at first.

Good luck

[Momma_Mia]

with my last 2 pregnancies i had an intrathecal which is just a shot in my back...from what i understand it starts faster but doesnt last as long as an epidural. it seemed to work very well for me on both occasions and since i have never had an epidural, i really cant compare...I am going to a different doctor and hospital this time and I am hoping they will do the same.


Intrathecal vs Epidural for Labor and Delivery

[Gripstress]

I think there is alot to be said about the fact that epidurals are much more common than spinal blocks. Imagine too that with multiples you may have one or both in NICU and you want to be able to see them ASAP. If you are numb for 24 hours, that isn't going to happen til it's gone. I have had 3 epis...1 for vaginal, 2 for c-section. They were awesome, worked GREAT, and would recommend it totally. Often they use them FOR people with back issues because they can be much more effective....localized pain control that blocks the nerves.

Most important is to talk to your doc and the anesthesiologist. They will inform you and put you at ease!

[Blcooper32]

I hope they put me at as much ease as they can...lol I hate the idea of a needle in my back but I don't think I want to feel the dr elbow deep in my lady parts going after baby b either lol

[Gripstress]

Yeah I'm thinking the needle will feel much better than that! lol

I have noticed it seems to not feel painful when I have had it administered while in labor. I think it's just a relief during labor to know that it's coming. Getting it when planned c-section seems to hurt more, but not much, because you are more nervous and not in other pain at the time. I would try not to worry too much because it really isn't too bad at all....just better when in labor lol.

[Amari]

I had a spinal for a surgery a few hours after my drug-free birth, (ahh, the irony)! Anyways, you are way numb and I just don't like that feeling, but you definitely won't feel any pain!

I haven't talked to my doctor yet, but I am also having twins. I hope to just get the line in place in case they have to do a c-section or can't take the pain, but I really want to do it without an epidural if possible, but I have heard they try and say you have to get one. I'm going to try and be stubborn! GL, let me know what your doc says...

[Blcooper32]

Well I'm used to the numb feeling thanks to my messed up back...:/ but let's hope are drs are easy going... all they would have to do I'd pop my back and make me lay flat and I wouldn't feel it anyway lol. Do you know what position your twins are in? Mine were both breech last visit so I'm hoping they flip

[rucca1002]

I had an epidural with my first birth. I had one... it wore off. They gave me another (that didn't work) and then when I had to have the emergency c-section, they gave me one again and I felt nothing during the surgery.

I had a spinal for my second birth, a planned c-section. It was painful to be administered and I actually felt quite a bit of the surgery, which was uncomfortable.

If I had a choice, I would choose an epi -- but I am not sure if I even have the option.

[daffneyc]

You would need something since you are having twins. Usually if you are attemping a vaginal birth with twins, you do it in the OR in case they have to get to the babies really fast. That's why you have to have one or the other usually, is in case you have to have an emergent section. It's better than going under general. I have seen them do an emergency c section in a room once and mom saw everything. Can you imagine? I don't know much about the difference though. I know they leave the catheter in your back if you are having a section in case the medicine wears off because every person reacts differently, I've seen a couple where they can't even get mom numb (they go under general) but in 10 years I've only seen that twice. And if you have a nice anesthesia doc, they will give you some good pain meds as soon as the babies are out so that post op won't be so miserable . And you can ask them to bring your babies to you Just tonight we wheeled a mom in that was stilll in her bed to see her baby. Never hurts to ask! Hopefully that won't be an issue for you though.

[Gripstress]

Daffney...there was no room to get a bed in our NICU...it's big but no way a bed. I have heard of that though alot of times. Guess it depends on the NICU. Our level II might accommidate that though...don't remember.

And I cannot imagine watching the whole c-section! I would be the one to ask! lol I love seeing anything medical but do get queasy at birth-time....only because of nerves of new baby though.