Spinal Block Vs. Epidural
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I am researching my options for pain management during delivery. I have always heard of epidurals but I've come across something called a spinal block as well. What is the difference between an epidural and a spinal block?
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 (5 Answers) |
Monday 1st of March 2010 04:19:37 PM
A spinal block is often used during Cesarean sections. It completely numbs your body from about your belly button down. This is great if you want to be awake during a c-section, but it would be pretty unadvisable for a vaginal delivery. You would be unable to do anything to assist in the delivery of the baby, and I believe it would also stop your contractions. Not a good idea.
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Tuesday 2nd of March 2010 12:11:35 AM
I had the spinal block with my daughter and was able to move around unlike with the epidural.
The epidural is also continous throughout your labor and spinal block is only once so in order for it to last it has to be timed right, and it can wear off where as the epirdual wouldnt wear off until you are done with the labor.
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Friday 19th of February 2010 06:23:55 PM
An epidural needs to be set up by an anaesthetist and can be topped up to give complete pain relief. It takes about 20 mins to set the whole thing up and is brilliant if you need to have a section. A spinal is similar to an epidural in that it gives complete pain relief but only for a few hours. It is a single injection given in the spine and is given when contractions become very painful towards the end of labour and can also be used for an emergency section.
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Saturday 6th of March 2010 06:56:38 AM
Epidural catheter stays at the back while going through labor. You still feel pain but not that much pain. While spinal block is given just once and especially used for c-section.When you have this there is no pain at all. You need to discuss this with your doctor anyway, so she'll help you decide.
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Tuesday 2nd of March 2010 11:17:22 AM
When I had my son, my most favorite man in the world was Robert the epidural man. The thing about the epidural is that they leave the catheter in so you can get more medication in the event things take longer than you hoped. With a spinal block, you only get one shot. And then there is the complication the commonly occurs;l when the epidural doesn't work, you have other options--not so with the spinal block. It would be a good idea to get in touch with the anesthesiologist at the hospital you plan to use. In the end, it is true, when you hold that precious baby in your arms, you do forget about most of the pain...in the end it is all worth it.
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