Reasons for a general anaesthetic
Things to consider for a general anaesthetic

What is a general anaesthetic?

A general anaesthetic is when a gas is breathed in and / or injections of medication are administered into the woman's vein, to make her asleep (or unconscious) for a Caesarean birth. The same types of anaesthetic are used for most other types of major operations.

General anaesthetic was first used in 1846 when ether was discovered. From that time anyone undergoing any type of major operation were given a general anaesthetic using either chloroform, ether, or nitrous oxide.

Until about the late 1970's most women were given a general anaesthetic (or GA, pronounced 'gee-ay') for a Caesarean operation. These days an epidural (or sometimes a spinal anaesthetic) is preferred, unless a GA is absolutely necessary, because it is regarded as safer for the mother and baby. The other advantages of an epidural (or a spinal) are that the woman remains awake for the birth, so she can meet her baby soon after the birth, and in most cases her partner or support person can be present during the operation.

The overall Australian statistics for the use of a general anaesthetic are not published. However, The NSW health department of health publishes statistics on the use of general anaesthetics. In 2000 a general anaesthetic rate was 5.5% of all women having babies, for various reasons (but presumably mostly for Caesareans).