What are my anesthesia options for cesarean delivery (c-sections)?
You and your anesthesiologist will make the decision of anesthesia type based on the urgency and nature of the reason for the surgery planned. Cesarean births are usually done either on an elective basis (i.e., for twin delivery or breech) or an emergency basis. The timing often has the most influence on the anesthesia type chosen. • Epidural anesthesia: If previously placed for labor, epidural anesthesia can be used for a Cesarean birth. This involves changing the medication given through the previously placed epidural catheter. In an emergency situation, epidural anesthesia may take too long to be effective and some other form of anesthesia (spinal or general) may need to be used. If an elective, non-emergency Cesarean birth is planned, epidural anesthesia is a frequently used. • Spinal anesthesia: This is used for both elective and emergency Cesarean birth. If you do not have an epidural in place for labor, this is often the method of choice in the emergency situation. Spinal anesth
