Cesarean Delivery

An anesthesiologist will be with you during your surgery to keep you safe and comfortable. To maintain  your comfort during surgery, spinal and epidural techniques allow you to be awake and alert for the birth of your baby. Anesthesiologists also provide post-operative pain relief which help you become mobile faster to breastfeed and care for your baby.
There are many options to help with pain in early stages of labor or if you have a vaginal birth. To learn more about those options, click the button below.

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Neuraxial Anesthesia (epidural & spinal) and general anesthesia can be used safely for cesarean deliveries. The choice of anesthesia will depend on the urgency of the surgery and the medical conditions of mom and baby. During surgery you will be monitored with a blood pressure cuff, oxygen sensor, and EKG leads. You will also receive oxygen through a mask of nasal cannula. An anesthesiologist will be with you during the surgical procedure to keep you safe and comfortable.

Epidural/Spinal Blocks

Nerve blocks such as epidurals and spinals are commonly used for  cesarean sections. These will make you numb from your breasts to your toes. You will feel pressure and movement during the surgery, but nothing sharp. You can still breath comfortably on your own and you will be awake for the birth of your baby.

General Anesthesia

A general anesthetic may be used in emergency situations when there is not enough time to perform regional anesthesia (epidural or spinal). It may also be used if you can’t receive an epidural or spinal due to a medical condition (bleeding disorder, severe preeclampsia, extensive prior back surgery, heart problems). General anesthesia can quickly make you unconscious so that surgery can start immediately to deliver your baby.