BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

What's the difference?! Which one did you get and why? TIA

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I got an Epi with both. With DD I already had the epi in because I was induced and in labor for 30+ hours.

With DS I had a scheduled C-section. They didn't want to give me a spinal because I have MS and they thought it might cause problems so I had another Epi.

ETA: I have no idea what the difference is.

Message edited 7/24/2010 8:53:07 AM.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

Spinal...thats what the hospital does where I went.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I dont know if i am correct or not but it seems (from reading posts here) that usually if you go in k owing you are getting a c/s or are trying for v- birth but held out on epi and ended up needing a c/s people got a spinal. Those who were trying for v-birth got epi and needed c/s just continued with epi.


I was an induction. Tried for v-birth. I held off on the epi and ended up with little progress and babys HR dropping with contractions so c/s was necessary. They gave me A spinal

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I had a spinal. I dont know why. It worked for me and I was fine. Im sure there was a reason. All I can remember was that I was in active labor and the ER was freezing. Once I got the spinal, I felt I was in a very warm and heavenly Utopia

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

Spinal because we all knew it was going to be a c/s.

In a way I was actually glad. I kept seeing vids of them pulling out the epi after birth or when they put it in .. Ugh! Spinal is just a shot. End of story.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I think they give an epi if you are in labor and then up the dosage if they need to do a section. Spinal they give right away if it is scheduled. I had both. Spinal didn't work for me so I had to be knocked out

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I actually had both. The spinal for surgery and the epi for afterwards with pain management. It's just what my dr. does.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

i never thought about it but i guess it was a spinal i had a scheduled c section

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I was in active labor and they gave me the epi as an IV. When they decided to do the c/s they just pumped Morphine into the IV. Very easy switch.

This time around I am scheduled for a c/s and have NO idea what they're going to do. Maybe I should ask I also have a strange suspicion that my water will break prior to that date, not sure if that changes the course of action. I will be getting the answer to these 2 questions on Monday....thanks for bringing it up

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I had a spinal. Didn't have a choice that's what the hospital gave me. We knew I was having a c/s to deliver my twins so maybe that's why.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

Is it crazy I'm not sure what I had? I think I either had both or maybe just an epidural because they took it out the next morning.
I had a scheduled c-section.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I had an emergency c/s and had a spinal.

My understanding is that to get an epidural, you need to have IV fluids also for at least an hour before. So if you have an emergency situation, they will do a spinal.

A spinal is basically a shot, one time. You will go instantly numb from the waist down (just below your breasts kinda area).

An epidural is when they insert it into your back and leave a line in so that you can either have a constant drip or they can give you doses etc.

They both go in your back, but in different spots.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I had both. An epi the first time and a spinal the second. I had a bad reaction to the spinal.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I had a spinal both times. I had an emergency c/s with DS. He was breech so they knew that there was not going to be any pushing for me. I think they only give epis when you have been in labor and it does not work so you end up with a c/s. If they know you are going to have a c/s they give the spinal.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I had a scheduled c/s and had a spinal.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I had an emergency C-section and had a spinal.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

Spinal b/c it lasts longer and is more controllable should the csec take longer than expected. I had a line left in for about 2 days or so with a pain pump. Good stuff.

Message edited 7/24/2010 1:03:37 PM.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

i had a Spinal for my emergency C-section..
i think the spinal lasts longer.. not sure though

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I had a spinal.............
I went to the hospital to have my BP monitored and after 1 1.5 hrs being there and it not going down then did a C section

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

Spinal is the drug of choice for a schduled c-section for most moms because it only lasts abour 1 1/2 hours.

Epidural is longer lasting and is used for moms who labor since they dont know the time length. If you end up with the c-section after they just use the epi that you have a top it off before the c-section.

Re: BTDT c-section ladies - epi vs spinal [poll]

I had a spinal both times