[AliGeo]

I've had to make peace with the fact that tomorrow I'll be having my twins via c-section.

Now what is REALLY REALLY stressing me out is that I will end up under general again.

With DD, I had three different people try and get an epi in and all failed so I was put under a general. It was the worst, being stabbed in the back that many times, then missing the birth and first 12 hours of my first baby.

Now this first time was not an emergency situation either so they took their time, over and hour and a half, to get it in. I guess my only hope is that I'm at a private maternity hospital this time and they will do a better job.

Has anyone else been in this situation and have it work out the second time?

[elizabethany]

I haven't but am hanging out for responses after mine failed. Stressing about the next one.

[Sloane Peterson]

I had the spinal for my first epidual go in straight away, but second time it took the anaethetist about 40 minutes and seven tries to get it in. I'm not sure why it took him so long second time around?! I was having a c-section as dd was overdue and incredibly high up in my abdomen making it impossible for me
To stetch out my back. My ob said thishappens about once every 6
Months or so. My back has only recently recovered 18 months later.

Both anaethetists were at top Sydney private hospitals.

So I guess just because it happens, doesn't mean it will be the same each time. Having said that I would be anxious about this happening again should we decide to ttc number 3.

[Shadowess]

I think it's just luck of the draw... most of the time it works, unfortunately other times it doesn't.

With DD1, I had an epidural during labour, and then was transfered to theatre for a c/s. It went in fine, no problem at all. With DD2, it was a planned c/s, and the anethetist tried for the better part of an hour to get a spinal in, and then an epidural, and I was on my last chance when he finally got it in. 5 more minutes, and I would have ended up with a general. He said that it just depends on the day, and one day it can be perfectly fine, and easy to get in, the next day it isn't.

So, I hope for you, that tomorrow is one of those days when it goes in perfectly. I'll have my fingers crossed for you.

Good luck!

[Emilliam]

AliGeo,

I had to reply just to reassure you as I was just like you!

My first delivery ended in an emergency c-section and after over an hour of trying to get the epi in, I went into shock and my DD had to be delivered under general.

I am happy to tell you that despite my anxiety of a repeat, my two DS's were born with the epidurals almost going in the first time and no issues.

I was so anxious I changed obstetricians, hospitals and even towns lol! It all turned out perfectly - so much so that I went back a third time

Good luck to you!!

[~ky~]

I've had three spinals and two combined spinal/epidural with 5 different anaesthetists and all but the last one were quick and easy.

The last one had ultrasound to guide it and seeing as it was my fourth caesar, I was relaxed and knew what to do to help the anaesthetist the best I could. Still, he took over 30 goes to get it in and was just about to give up when he finally got it.

I carry quite a bit of excess weight and have done every time - it just seems that this last time it was tricky for that particular anaesthetist. Poor guy was mortified!

There is nothing that will give you an absolute yes or no answer. Just go into your caesar expecting all to be perfect - there is a very high chance that it will be. However, if things do go pearshaped again, don't be disappointed in yourself.

Good luck and congratulations to you for the upcoming birth of your twins - may it all be safe and a great experience!

[jojo24]

My 1st c/s they tried 6 times to get spinal in and finally did it.

2nd c/s they tried 8 times then I had a general.

When I was preg with #3 I talked to them about the problems with getting it in they checked my back it was fine the surgical team were warned that it might take awhile and they said they were going to be careful and take their time and only took 3 goes to get it in phew!

[JBaby]

Glad you asked the question as I wanted to know this too.

With DD they tried 7 times to get my epi in and once it was it was terribly patchy (could feel full contractions on one side - depending what side I was laying on). I'm not sure if it was because I'm overweight or because I struggled to stay still (contractions one minute apart so couldnt stay still for long) but I'm worried there might be something wrong with my back that will make it happen again this time coming.