A spinal (as well as an
epidural) are both regional anaesthetics and are generally preferable to a
general anaesthetic for a Caesarean because the potential health risks are recognised as being less for the mother and the baby. In certain circumstances though, the health of the woman can mean that a general anaesthetic is the preferred method.
Reasons for or the advantages of a spinal anaesthetic for Caesarean can include:
Mother is awake
More rapid effect
Easier to insert
Less medication used
Anaesthetist's preference
Better muscle relaxation
Mother is awake. The use of regional anaesthetics such as spinals (and epidurals) mean that the woman can be awake and able to see her baby as soon he or she is born. In most cases the partner or support person is able to sit with the woman during the operation.
More rapid effect. In some cases a spinal anaesthetic will be chosen because it is quicker to insert and will be fully effective more rapidly. This may be the case if the operation needs to be performed relatively quickly (and is a more preferred option to a
general anaesthetic).
Easier to insert. A spinal anaesthetic is technically easier to insert than an epidural. It is therefore less likely to be unsuccessful. A spinal may be preferred if the anaesthetist is less experienced at putting in an epidural anaesthetic or again if time is limited.
Less medication used. The spinal area absorbs drugs more efficiently than the epidural space. This means that less medication is needed to produce the anaesthetic effect. The benefits of this when having a spinal rather than an
epidural can be: