“Is a C-section done with general anesthesia?”
I am a 31 year old pregnant woman. I want to know if a C-section is done with general anesthesia?
5 Answers
AnesthesiologistAnesthesiologist
Yes , it can be . It depends upon your previous types of deliveries ( if a previous c - section what type of uterine incision was used ) , the emergent or non emergent nature of the delivery , the type of airway of the patient ( Pregnancy usually affects the airway presentation due to vascular congestion ) . Today these deliveries are being done more often wit epidural Anesthesia .
We recommend regional anesthesia. Either spinal or epidural.
C sections can be performed under general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or epidural anesthesia. It is your choice which anesthesia to have. Nevertheless, the recommended type for the elective C section is spinal anesthesia. In emergency C sections, sometimes general anesthesia is mandatory.
The greatest majority of C/S's are done under neuraxial anesthesia, either spinal, epidural, or combined spinal/epidural anesthesia. Less than 1% of C/S's are done under general anesthesia, usually reserved either for emergencies (not enough time for neuraxial technique) or if neuraxial is contraindicated (coagulopathy, systemic infection).
Hope this answers your question.
Hope this answers your question.
Usually c-sections are done under spinal or epidural with minimal to no sedation until the baby comes out. These options are much safer than general anesthesia for a pregnant patient
