What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

and what will I get with a scheduled c/s?

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

I'm not sure of the difference but for both csections (one that was scheduled) I got a spinal

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

You will get a spinal.

A spinal is a one time shot.

An Epidural stays in your back, for continuous medication.

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

Good question.
I had a crash c with DS so I was knocked out
having a scheduled c this time around and I hear it's spinal for scheduled c. I could be wrong.

Ugh... does one hurt more than the other.
I hate needles! I'm such a wimp!

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

preggo crashing so I am not sure which you will get for a c-section, however the difference between then is where the needle is placed.

The Epi is more shallow in the spinal column and the Spinal goes further in for a stronger dose.

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

Here's some information I just found:

"Epidurals and spinals are injected at different places. Both the nerves and the spinal cord are located in a sort of sac that contains cerebrospinal fluids. When your doctor gives you a spinal anesthetic, he injects it directly into this sac. However, when you are getting an epidural, the anesthesia is put outside the sac. The area outside the sac is called the epidural area.

Since they are injected at different places in the body, the time taken for them to become effective also varies. A Spinal acts immediately. The patient initially experiences warmth in the leg and the lower part of the body before the area becomes numb. However, an epidural may take anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes before it becomes effective."

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

ah..thank you!

Does anyone know if you get itchy?
I recall being sooo itchy from the Epidural...I wonder if it's the same with the spinal?

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

I had a scheduled c/s and got a spinal
However my friend had a scheduled c/s and had an epi. You really have to ask the dr what the hospital does.

I was originally told by my OB I would have an epi. But when the anesthesiologist came in he told me I would get a spinal because of x,y,z (I cant remember why now!)

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

I had a scheduled C-section with DD and had a spinal...i did NOT have any itchiness after (though i did have nausea).

However, my best friend had a c-section as well, and she did get itchy from the spinal. So I think it's a person to person reaction....it's common, but not necessarily something you'll definitely get.

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

Not itchy but shaking like crazy afterwards while in recovery.

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

You can get itchy with either.

I had a spinal bc I had a section...not side effects whatsoever! Good luck!

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?

You could get either.

An epidural takes longer to have an effect but you could give more meds through it... Meaning a repeat dose or infusion. It takes longer to place than a spinal because it is a really small space that it needs to be in. You may get one if your surgery will be more complicated... Like if you had many abdominal surgeries. A spinal will only last a few hours.

Yes... You can be itchy or shiver with both. The medication that is given is the same in both... Just different amounts.

Re: What is difference between a spinal vs. an epidural?