I've had 2 c-sections and had spinal blocks with them both. I didn't have any complications from either. The numbing medicine that they put in before they administer the block hurt worse than the actual block.
When you go into the operating room, they'll have you sit on the table. They usually have you lean forward on to someone. They'll swab your back with betadine, then administer the numbing medicine (not the block, but a local that numbs the area). It will feel like a really intense shot. BREATH! BREATH! BREATH! Once that area is numb, they'll administer the spinal block. For me, it feels really really warm. It doesn't work all at once, it's very gradual, at least it was for me. They'll start to prep you for surgery. You'll lay on your back, they strap your arms down (so you don't pull out IVs, or the sheet or touch anything that's sterile). You'll also wear an oxygen mask.Your SO or whomever you choose, can be in the room with you the entire time. The anesthesiologist will monitor your blood pressure, medicine, nausea, etc. I always get nauseous after the spinal, but they give me something right away. I tried to tough it out with my first and it was rough. I almost threw up. Just tell the anesthesiologist and they'll get you something in your IV. The surgery is pretty quick, maybe an hour from start to finish. Depending on the hospital and the condition of the baby, they might let you have your child in the recovery room. With my first, they took her to the NICU because she was early. My husband went with her. With my second, as soon as she was cleaned off, they let my husband hold her. We had her with us the entire time. If there's a chance that you might have the baby early, I'd have someone on stand by. When my husband went to the NICU with our 1st daughter, my mom sat with me in the recovery room.
After your surgery, USE YOUR PAIN MEDS! The first time I was trying to be Superwoman, the next time I knew better!
Good luck! Wishing you a happy and healthy little baby!
