What are the alternatives
In addition to spinal anesthesia, general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia are available as alternatives. Epidural anesthesia is very similar to spinal anesthesia. However, the anaesthetized area is smaller and it is not a one-time administration of the drug, but a continuous administration through a tube into the lumbar spinal canal.
General anesthesia is usually a possibility in emergency deliveries. However, this anesthesia is associated with greater risks and also reaches the child, who may be a little sleepy after birth. Epidural is the abbreviation for epidural anaesthesia.This is a regional anaesthesia similar to a spinal anaesthesia.
The dura is one of the skins of the spinal cord and the anesthetic is injected around this skin in the lumbar region. The nerves that supply the uterus and abdomen run through this region. These are anaesthetised by the anaesthetic.
During epidural anesthesia, a small tube remains in this epidural space throughout. The anaesthetic can thus be adapted more individually than in the case of a single administration during spinal anaesthesia. However, this tube does not only have advantages.
Like all foreign bodies that are introduced into the body, this access forms an entry port for bacteria. Infections are dangerous in this area because there is a direct connection between the spinal cord and the meninges and brain. For the child, the epidural does not present any relevant risks, as the child does not come into contact with the anaesthetic.
The epidural is also used for pain relief during natural births and not only during caesarean section. General anesthesia is a major intervention in the body and therefore not the first choice for a planned caesarean section. However, for emergency births, a Caesarean section is often used as this is the fastest option.
The consciousness and the feeling of pain of the expectant mother are completely eliminated and the birth is not consciously perceived. In this case, drugs are given which act centrally and on the entire body. Since the musculature is also switched off, ventilation via a breathing tube is necessary.
Blood pressure, heart rate and respiration are monitored and controlled by the anaesthetist. The mother is still weakened for some time after the anaesthesia and cannot directly take over the care of her newborn baby. Overall, general anesthesia is associated with a higher risk of complications. This method is also a more invasive procedure for the child, as it absorbs some of the medication through the umbilical cord and seems a little sleepy after birth. In most hospitals, the partner cannot go into the operating room with the child.