Help! Has Anyone Ever Gone Through a Delivery While Being Fully Under Anesthesia

Updated on October 28, 2009
C.R. asks from Fort Worth, TX
13 answers

I'm 12 weeks pregnant and went for my check up yesterday w/my OB/GYN. Everything is going well, thank God, however she has a concern with my back issues. I had back surgery 9 years ago (bulging disc on L-5). I started having back pain again about 6 months ago and the MRI showed another bulging disc (same disc, only on the opposite side), my neurologist does not recommend surgery because I have a lot of scar tissue from my previous surgery and he claims that going in could just make things worse. I did physical therapy for a few months and I basically have to just learn to cope w/my pain that comes and goes. I had a c-section w/my 6 year old and my OB doctor told me on yesterday's visit that she will have to most likely put me under full anesthesia for the delivery because of my bulging disc. She did say that the anesthesiologist will ultimately make the final decision. I'm concerned because she mentioned that she will only have about 3 minutes to get the baby out because being under a full anesthesia will not give her enough time as she had w/the delivery of my first son in which I was only under the anesthesia from the waist down. If any of you have gone through or heard of someone going through a similar situation, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance!

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More Answers

D.D.

answers from Dallas on

When I had my daughter I was completely under. I had back surgery when I was 12 yrs old and there was too much scar tissue to guarantee an epidural would work. My daughter had her head pushed into my ribcage and refused to turn. So a c-section was required. The doctor put me under and when I woke up I had a beautiful baby girl!. My husband was in the Operating room with me the whole time.

My daughter just turned yrs old this year. She is happy and extremely bright(actually doing 1st grade work in Kindergarten!).

Don't worry. Doctors always tell you the worst case scenario so that in the even something DOES go wrong they covered all the bases. If you are apprehensive about the procedure by all means seek a second opinion.

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O.U.

answers from Dallas on

Hello, I did had my kid under a full anesthesia. I was admited to the hospital to do a natural birth after couple of hours doctor told me baby is too big for me so we went for c-cection. In the operation room anesthesia would not work on me i could still feel everything on one side so the doctor gave a comand to put me down fully. The only thing i remember is counting till 3 and waking up in different room.
I am planning to have another baby and I think thats the way I will be going again. Yes I missed out on seeing baby come out, but I also missed all the pain and nasty stuff for which I am happy.
I know you are a bit scared but uderstand that doctor responsability is to tell you the worst senerio, which is very unpleasant to hear.

But do not be scared it will be fine its not the first delivery which your docror is doing under full anesthesia.
Good luck and congrats on the baby :)

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C.B.

answers from Dallas on

I was fully under for my first one(I have #5 due in Jan.) It was an emergency C-section. They only had a few minuets to get him out also. Other than being freaked out before I went under(I didn't really know what to expect and what was going on)and disorentened when I woke up(I was on a different floor for recovery)everything went fine. My husband got to hold our baby while I was recovering. The only thing that was a dissapointment was that I didn't get to hold my baby until he was a couple hours old because I was still under. But other than that- everything went fine.
Hope this helps!
~C.

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N.P.

answers from Dallas on

While mine was a much different situation, I did deliver my son via c-section while under full anesthesia. I had placental abruption at 30 weeks and it was an emergency c-section. They had to completely "knock me out" b/c they did not know what caused the abruption and what further surgery they might have to do after the delivery.

I'm happy to say everything went as well as could be expected. However, since you know this is a possibility, you should prepare yourself for the idea of not "experiencing" the birth and you will be in recovery longer before seeing your baby. I had a very difficult time emotionally with that... but it was also my first, so that might have made it more difficult.

I hope they are able to avoid it, but if it's what is best for you and your baby, you will be just fine! Good luck!

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R.A.

answers from Dallas on

I would ask for a second opinion... I have a herniated disk and my Doctor said it probaby would not be an issue. When it was time for my c-section, the anesthesiaologist had no concerns at all and he did a spinal. My bad disk is lower than yours though, so maybe that is the difference.

G.W.

answers from Dallas on

my sister had a full anesthesia delivery 14 years ago when it was discoverd her placenta had detached from her uterus...it was an emergency situation of course but it all went well...her daughter was completely healthy and didn't spend one minute under NICU care....hoping for the best for you :-)

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K.W.

answers from Abilene on

My mom did it with my sister 29 years ago. It was just fine.

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D.L.

answers from Phoenix on

I had a C-Section just about 3 months ago under full anesthesia. I was under for about 10 minutes, although I have been told that the procedure only last between 3 and 5 minutes. I was up and walking that night, although extremely groggy. He was with me in my room very shortly after the surgery, although stayed in the nursery over-night. We both recovered from it very quickly. I think you will be fine if it comes down to it. Good luck.

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L.S.

answers from Dallas on

My best friend had to have general since the epidurals never took. She was under for only a few minutes. She was groggy afterwards, but fine. Recovering from a c-s is probably harder than the anethesia for some. I have another who had to go under as well due to pre-eclampsia or something very like it. She too was under for just a bit. She was fine recovering. I think a lot of our mothers had general anethesia during delivery. It's not ideal imo, but has and can be done if necessary.

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L.C.

answers from Dallas on

That's how I delivered my first son. I had two epidurals and neither one worked very well. My contractions were God awful. Labor was going no where, so they decided to do a C-section. The poked me to make sure I was numb where they would be cutting. I told them I felt it but I think they thought I meant that I just felt pressure. Anyway, the first cut I felt and told them (very loudly)that I felt it. I remember a gas mask coming over my face, and that was pretty much it. They got my son out just fine and next think I remembered was being wheeled into my recovery room. I didn't even know if I had a boy or girl until they brought him to me.
I'm sure you'll be fine. They worked very quickly and there weren't any complications for either of us. Good luck!

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D.G.

answers from Dallas on

One of my best friends had to be completely put under in an emergency c-section. The hospital just watched her baby really good for a day or so but didn't anticipate any issues and there were none. Her daughter is 8 now and absolutely no issues ! I second the other mama - get a 2nd opinion or ask to go ahead and talk to an anesthesiologist now about this. But try not to worry (hard to do - I know).Good luck and congrats on your new baby !

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R.V.

answers from Dallas on

I had to be put under with my now 7 year old son. My epidural didn't take and I was feeling everything as they were cutting me. They put me under, but I nver asked for how long. Me and my baby were perfectly fine.

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J.T.

answers from Dallas on

I'm confused. Why would she need to put you under full anesthesia for a bulging disc? I've never heard of this before. Get some reasons behind the recommendation before you do something like that. Not only will it affect you,but it can be potentially very harmful to your baby (your baby gets all those drugs as well). I'm just so confused. Get to a chiropractor during your pregnancy, then you won't have to worry about it. Bulging discs are easy to deal with BEFORE they herniate with chiropractic care and even when they do, you can still avoid the knife under care. Let me know if I can help you (I'm in Plano) or if you need a referral in your area. God Bless.

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