Anaesthesia for C-section: Procedure & Side Effects

A C-section, or caesarean section, is a surgical procedure where your baby is delivered through an incision in your abdomen and uterus. A planned C-section, also called an elective C-section, might be scheduled for reasons like your baby being in a breech position or if you’ve had a previous C-section. In these cases, you’ll have time to talk with your medical team about the best anaesthesia for you.

An emergency C-section might become necessary if labour isn’t progressing or if there are concerns about you and your baby’s health. In this situation, anaesthesia is administered quickly to make sure you’re comfortable and ready for the procedure.

Anaesthesia is always needed during a C-section because it ensures that the procedure is completely painless and as comfortable as possible. Whether your C-section is planned ahead of time or happens unexpectedly during labour, anaesthesia allows doctors to deliver your baby safely while keeping you at ease.

There are two main types of anaesthesia used during a C-section:

• Regional anaesthesia, like a spinal block or epidural, numbs the lower part of your body. This means you’ll be awake during the surgery and can meet your baby right away.

• General anaesthesia, which puts you to sleep for the operation. This is less common and usually only used in emergencies or if regional anaesthesia isn’t suitable.

   

Your anaesthetist will be with you throughout the procedure, making sure you’re safe and well cared for. They’ll explain everything step by step so you know what to expect and can focus on welcoming your baby into the world.

Regional anaesthesia is the most common and preferred option for C-sections. It numbs the lower half of your body while allowing you to remain awake and alert during the procedure. This means you can fully experience the birth of your baby without feeling any pain.

There are two main types of regional anaesthesia used for C-sections: spinal anaesthesia and epidural anaesthesia. Both are highly effective, and your doctor or anaesthetist will recommend the best option for you based on your medical history and the specifics of your delivery.

If you’re wondering what are the benefits of regional anaesthesia, here are a few of them:

• You stay awake: regional anaesthesia lets you be present for your baby’s birth, a moment many mothers cherish.

• Less medication for your baby: unlike general anaesthesia, regional methods minimise the amount of medication passed to your baby.

• Shorter recovery time: generally, you’ll recover from regional anaesthesia more quickly compared to general anaesthesia, allowing you to bond with your baby sooner.

What does regional anaesthesia feel like? Mostly, you won’t feel pain, but you might experience some pressure or tugging sensations during the C-section. This is normal and nothing to worry about. Your anaesthetist will stay with you throughout the procedure to ensure you’re comfortable and to address any concerns you have.

Regional anaesthesia is a safe, effective option that allows you to stay calm and connected during this special moment.

Unlike regional anaesthesia, which only numbs the lower half of your body, general anaesthesia puts you into a deep, temporary sleep. You won’t be awake for the surgery or feel or remember anything from it. While it’s less common for C-sections, it’s an important option in certain situations.

This type of anaesthesia is usually reserved for:

• Emergencies: when every second counts, such as during severe bleeding or if your baby is in distress.

• Medical reasons: if regional anaesthesia isn’t suitable because of conditions like spinal problems or previous surgeries.

• Personal preference: some mums request general anaesthesia, though this is quite uncommon and typically not the first choice.

   

If your healthcare provider recommends general anaesthesia, here’s what happens step by step:

• You’ll be settled on the operating table, and your anaesthetist will place a small mask over your face to provide oxygen.

• Anaesthesia is given either through a drip (IV) in your hand or arm or by having you breathe through the mask. You’ll drift off to sleep in just a few seconds.

• Your anaesthetist will stay by your side, monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing to ensure you’re safe.

• When you wake up, you’ll be in the recovery room feeling a bit groggy, but don’t worry—your baby will most likely already be safely delivered and cuddled by the care team.

While regional anaesthesia is the go-to choice for most C-sections, general anaesthesia has perks: 

• First, it works in seconds, which is critical when time is of the essence.

• Since you’re unconscious, you won’t feel a thing—not even the tugging sensations common with regional anaesthesia.

• Lastly, for mums with back issues or specific medical conditions, this can be a huge relief.

General anaesthesia might mean you miss the moment your baby enters the world, but sometimes, it’s the best option for ensuring the safety of both you and your baby. Your anaesthetist will take care of everything so you can rest easy

Spinal anaesthesia is one of the most commonly used and trusted methods for C-sections. It’s quick, effective, and lets you stay awake during the procedure to be present for your baby’s first moments. This type of anaesthesia numbs the lower half of your body, ensuring you feel no pain while keeping you comfortable and alert.

The process is straightforward and happens shortly before your C-section begins. Here’s what you can expect:

• You’ll either sit or lie on your side, and the anaesthetist will clean and numb a small area in your lower back.

• Using a very fine needle, a single dose of anaesthetic is injected into the fluid around your spinal cord. You might feel slight pressure or a tingling sensation, but it will be over quickly.

• Within a few minutes, your lower body will become numb. While you won’t feel pain, you might still sense pressure or movement during the surgery, which is completely normal.

Most mums say they don’t feel any pain during the injection—just a small pinch or mild pressure. Once the anaesthetic takes effect, you’ll feel completely numb from the waist down. During the procedure, you might notice some tugging or pulling sensations as your baby is delivered, but it won’t be painful.

Your anaesthetist will guide you through every step of the process, from explaining what to expect to ensuring the anaesthetic is working correctly. They’ll stay with you throughout the surgery, monitoring your comfort and addressing your concerns.

Spinal anaesthesia is a safe, effective option that allows you to stay calm and connected during one of the most important moments of your life.

Epidural anaesthesia is a popular choice for managing pain during childbirth, including for C-sections. Like spinal anaesthesia, it numbs the lower half of your body, but it works in a slightly different way. The main advantage of an epidural is its flexibility—it can provide continuous pain relief during long procedures or if adjustments are needed.

The process of receiving an epidural is similar to the spinal anaesthesia. However, epidurals use a catheter for continuous medication delivery, while spinals involve a single injection. The catheter placement happens before your C-section begins, and it takes about 10–15 minutes for the numbness to start spreading. Once it’s fully effective, you’ll be pain-free from the waist down while remaining awake and alert. Epidurals can be adjusted as needed, which is very convenient during childbirth!

Epidurals are particularly useful in certain situations:

• Labour to C-section transition: if you’ve been labouring with an epidural in place and a C-section becomes necessary, the same epidural can often be adjusted for surgery.

• Extended pain relief: the catheter allows for ongoing medication delivery, making it ideal for longer procedures or postpartum pain relief.

Most women describe the sensation as a gradual numbness that starts in the lower back and moves downward. You’ll lose feeling in your legs and abdomen, but you’ll still be able to stay awake and interact during the birth of your baby. You might feel pressure or a pulling sensation during the procedure, but it won’t be painful.

Epidural anaesthesia is a reliable, effective choice that lets you stay awake for your baby’s birth while keeping you comfortable and pain-free. It’s especially helpful if you need flexibility during the process, ensuring a smooth delivery experience.

A combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique merges the best features of both spinal anaesthesia and epidural anaesthesia. It provides the fast-acting numbness of a spinal anaesthetic with the long-lasting flexibility of an epidural. While less commonly used for C-sections than other methods, CSE is a valuable option in certain situations and is especially useful when flexibility is needed during labour or delivery.

The CSE procedure involves two steps, as both techniques are used together:

• Spinal Injection: a small dose of anaesthetic is injected into the fluid around your spinal cord, similar to a traditional spinal anaesthetic. This provides immediate and effective pain relief.

• Epidural catheter placement: at the same time, a catheter is placed in the epidural space near your spinal cord. This allows for additional medication if needed later in the procedure.

This combination ensures that you benefit from the spinal anaesthetic's rapid effect and the epidural's ongoing flexibility.

A CSE may be recommended for:

• Uncertain procedure duration: if the delivery might take longer, the epidural catheter ensures extended pain relief beyond the initial spinal dose.

• High-risk deliveries: it provides flexibility for more complex deliveries where adjustments might be needed.

• Labour pain management: CSE is sometimes used during labour, with the option to extend its use if a C-section becomes necessary. 

The spinal component works immediately, which makes it ideal for situations where quick pain relief is needed. The epidural catheter can deliver additional medication if needed, which gives you extra comfort. Moreover, a smaller dose of anaesthetic is typically required compared to using an epidural alone, which reduces side effects.

The spinal portion of the CSE works quickly, numbing the lower half of your body within minutes. You may feel a slight prick or pressure during the injections, but these sensations pass quickly. Once the epidural catheter is in place, you likely won’t feel it at all.

During the procedure, you’ll remain awake and aware, able to experience your baby’s birth without pain. Some mothers report feeling a sense of pressure or movement, which is completely normal.

As with any anaesthesia, your anaesthetist will guide you through the CSE process and ensure you’re comfortable throughout. They’ll monitor the effectiveness of the spinal anaesthetic and adjust the epidural as needed to keep you pain-free and relaxed.

Don’t worry: anaesthesia is a routine part of C-sections, and in most cases, it’s safe and works exactly as planned. However, like any medical procedure, there can be some risks. The good news is that serious complications are extremely rare, and your healthcare team is there to make sure everything goes smoothly.

These common side effects are likely to happen, but they’re usually mild and go away quickly:

• You might feel nauseous after the anaesthetic, but the team can give you medicine to stop this.

• Some women get a headache after spinal or epidural anaesthesia. It’s treatable and usually clears up with rest and fluids.

• You might notice some mild discomfort where the needle was inserted, but it’s temporary and not something to worry about. 

• It’s common to feel cold or shaky after the anaesthetic, but this doesn’t last long.

• You may feel groggy or disoriented when you wake up, but this fades with time.

You might also experience some less common side effects: 

• A drop in your blood pressure could happen. If it does, the anaesthetist will quickly treat it to keep you feeling well.

• Some areas could not be fully numbed because the anaesthetic didn’t work as planned. If this happens, more medication can be given straight away.

• Allergic reactions are very rare but could happen. Your healthcare team will ask about allergies beforehand to reduce this risk. 

In rare cases, you could also face more serious complications, like severe headaches, or an infection at the injection site. A severe headache could be caused by a cerebrospinal fluid leak, known as a post-dural puncture headache. This type of headache usually occurs within a few days after the procedure and can feel worse when sitting or standing. If you have any doubts, please consult your healthcare provider quickly! Fortunately, it’s treatable with rest, hydration, or a simple medical procedure called a blood patch, which quickly resolves the issue.

Once again, don’t worry about a thing: your healthcare provider knows how to care for you and keep you and your baby out of harm’s way. It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous about anaesthesia, but the risks are very small. The experience is usually smooth, and any side effects are minor and temporary. If you have questions or worries, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. 

The good news is that most mothers recover well, and the medical team will be there to guide you through the process.

Once your C-section is complete, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where the medical team will keep a close eye on you. If you had spinal or epidural anaesthesia, you might notice your legs feel heavy or tingly as the numbness wears off. This is completely normal and usually takes a few hours.

If you had general anaesthesia, you’ll wake up feeling a little groggy or sleepy, which is expected. The medical team will monitor you closely, making sure you’re comfortable and recovering as planned.

As the effects of the anaesthetic fade, you might experience a few mild side effects. Feeling a bit nauseous or shivery is common but nothing to worry about—the staff can give you medication or warm blankets to help. Some mums feel a little soreness in their back from the injection, but this goes away quickly.

You'll be encouraged to move gently once you’re alert and the numbness has lifted. It might feel daunting at first, but small movements, like sitting up or standing with support, are an important part of your recovery.

Recovery doesn’t stop once you leave the hospital! Staying hydrated, eating light meals, and resting whenever you can are simple but effective ways to help your body heal. While it’s tempting to try to do everything, especially with a new baby, don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends.

Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel tired, rest. If something feels wrong, call your healthcare provider.

You’ll likely be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure. This is because having an empty stomach reduces the risk of complications, particularly if general anaesthesia is needed. Your doctor will tell you exactly when to stop eating and drinking, so be sure to follow their guidance.

Your anaesthetist will ask about your medical history, including any allergies, previous experiences with anaesthesia, or conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, or diabetes. This information helps them choose the best type of anaesthesia for you and ensures your safety during the procedure.

It’s also important to mention if you’re taking any medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal medicine. Some might need to be adjusted before the surgery.

It’s natural to feel a bit anxious, but remember that you’re in expert hands. Your anaesthetist is highly trained to ensure your comfort and safety. They’ll monitor you closely throughout the procedure and make adjustments as needed.

By sharing your concerns, following instructions, and preparing ahead of time, you can feel more confident and ready for your C-section. Focus on the exciting moment ahead—you’re about to meet your baby!