Are epidurals or spinals used for elective cesarean sections and elective postpartum tubal ligations?
Typically a spinal is used, but either can be used depending on the situation, and both will allow you to be awake to see the birth of your baby. If you did deliver vaginally with an epidural, it can be kept in place to be used for a tubal if you desire to have that done while you are hospitalized. General anesthesia is usually a last resort in these situations. It is primarily avoided because pregnant patients have a higher risk of lung aspiration than non-pregnant patients since they have less ability to empty their stomach and more acid reflux (heartburn). If you do have to go to sleep, every effort will be made to minimize this complication.
