Remain Awake
In a Nutshell
Usually cesarean births are performed with a spinal block, a type of anesthesia that numbs you from the breast downward while you remain awake. This is usually the ideal, so you can still be a part of your baby's birth and can touch, kiss, and caress your baby after they are born. However, in a true emergency or if the spinal doesn't work, general anesthesia may be used. General anesthesia is when you are "put under" and are unconscious for the birth and repair.
Dig Deeper
General Anesthesia
Sometimes a spinal block is impossible and your anesthesiologist needs to "put you under," also known as general anesthesia.
Reasons for General Anesthesia
- True emergency
- If the spinal doesn't work
- Spinal deformity or spinal issue that would prevent safe spinal placement
- Low platelet count
If you need to go under general anesthesia, your partner and any other support team will not be allo
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Remain Awake
Usually cesarean births are performed with a spinal block, a type of anesthesia that numbs you from the breast downward while you remain awake. This is usually the ideal, so you can still be a part of your baby's birth and can touch, kiss, and caress your baby after they are born.