A spinal anaesthetic, known simply as a ‘spinal’, is an injection of pain medication that is given into your back. It is similar to an epidural but there is no need for the small tube (epidural catheter) to remain in your back. A spinal can be performed quite quickly and is usually used during caesarean sections or for a forceps delivery if you do not already have an epidural in place.
Spinal anaesthetic will cause you to feel ‘numb’ from around your armpits down to your toes, which limits the amount you can move. Our team will support you to move into any positions necessary for the procedure that is taking place.
Spinal anaesthetic wears off gradually and as movement will be limited. You may not be able to walk until this completely wears off. This is usually around 5 to 6 hours later, although you should be able to move around and change your position in the bed without support before this time.
We will normally put a tube into your bladder from your vagina (a catheter) to drain away any urine. This is because you will be unable to feel if you need to go to the toilet. Depending on how the procedure has gone, you may be able to have this removed on the same day. It may need to stay in overnight and be removed the following day. Your midwife will let you know how long the catheter will need to stay in place.
A drip will be placed into your hand. This is so we can give you additional fluids or medications if we need to.
What other things should I consider?
Occasionally, some people develop a severe headache after a spinal anaesthetic. This will require another injection into your back to resolve.
Around 3 in 1000 people will find that spinal anaesthetic does not work for them. It may also be difficult to put a spinal in place. They might instead need a general anaesthetic.
1 in 10,000 spinal anaesthetics can make you numb higher than your armpits. They can affect your breathing, so breathing support may be required until it wears off.
1 in 100,000 people will experience nerve damage as the result of a spinal anaesthetic.
Some people experience feeling sick or vomiting after a spinal anaesthetic. This is sometimes because your blood pressure has dropped. We can give you medication if you need it. Please tell your anaesthetist if you feel sick.
Are there any risks to my baby?
The spinal anaesthetic does not directly affect your baby. However, 1 in 100 people will experience a sudden drop to their blood pressure so we monitor this closely. Usually this can be corrected quickly with fluids or other medications. These things can cause a change in your baby’s heart rate pattern, which we will monitor.
A spinal is usually offered in an emergency or for a caesarean section. Babies are born very quickly after the spinal has been given. Sometimes babies can be shocked at the speed in which they have been born and so might need some breathing support at birth. However, the spinal anaesthetic does not cause this. We have all the necessary equipment to support your baby if this happens.
Where can I have spinal anaesthetic?
Spinal anaesthetic is only offered when required for forceps or caesarean section births on delivery suite.
