Is a spinal anaesthetic the same as an epidural?

It is similar, but not quite the same. An epidural allows anaesthetic to be given through a plastic tube to numb the nerves entering the spinal cord and can last for many hours. A spinal anaesthetic is given as a 'one off' injection into your spine, and the needle enters the space that contains CSF (cerebro-spinal fluid), and its effect will last for about 1-2 hours; it cannot be 'topped up' as an epidural can be. The advantage of a spinal is that it is usually quick to put in, and works more rapidly than does an epidural.

What will be in the hands of the doctors to decide?
What is A TENS machine?
Who has to be present when I give birth?
Is it true that most women do not need pain relief in labour?
I've had a completely normal pregnancy, but I just don't want to go through a normal delivery. Can I insist on having a Caesarean?
How effective is syntocinon?
What does an active birth involve?
Should my children be at the birth?
What is the risk of trying for a normal delivery after a Caesarean (vaginal birth after Caesarean-VBAC)?
I've had a completely natural pregnancy. I'm scared of a Caesarean and am worried that I might have to have one. Can I refuse?
What type of delivery can I have?
Is a natural labour and delivery the best?
What is ''active manangement of labour'' then?
I have a question about Vitamin K given to newborns. I understand the link between the Vitamin K injection and childhood cancer cannot be proven as such therefore the risks are thought to be minimal. However I am still a anxious about agreeing to the injection for my baby, also I believe that the risk of Vitamin K deficiency is greater in breastfed babies. I do not want to put my baby at any risk of being unwell because of this choice.
I am pregnant with my second child. My first was over 11lbs born by emergency Caesarean Section I am worried that this baby will be a similar size as my midwife seems keen for me to try for VBAC. Is it likely that I will have such a large baby this time and is a scan a reliable way of assesing this?
What natural forms of pain relief can I use in early labour?
How much can I eat when I'm in labour?
How does an epidural anaesthetic work?
A friend recommends I give birth in water, what do you think?
Can I be given syntocinon at a home birth?
Will I need a Caesarean if I have twins?
I'm overdue, only 5 ft tall and baby is in the oblique position. Is a Caesarean the safest option?
I'm only 8 weeks and just over 5 foot tall and am quite petite-my family and colleagues have all told me I'll need a Caesarean-is this true?
If you have an epidural in labour, do you feel pain at all?
I had a previous Caesarean Section because my cervix wasn't dilating properly and the baby was in distress. Can I opt for another Caesarean Section in this pregnancy?
Two years ago, I was in a car accident and the doctors removed 8 to 12 inches of my large intestine and I had a temporary colostomy for 3 months. My doctor who did the colostomy take-down said that there would be a chance of having to have a cesarean section but my obgyn doctor said that it all looks fine.
Can I opt for a Caesarean Section if my baby is big?
I have identical (monochorionic twins) and would like to try for a normal vaginal delivery but some of the doctors at the hospital advise c-section at 34+ weeks whereas others seem to be happy for me to go 37+ weeks and try for a normal birth if both twins are healthy and twin 1 is head down. Due to the differing advice, I am not sure what is best. Would you be able to briefly explain to me the benefits of a c-section over vaginal birth for this type of twins?
I’ve been booked in for a 3rd Caesarean Section. I cant help thinking I should try and do it naturally but my consultant said that there is a 5% of rupture; in his opinion he says it's too risky. Do you agree?
I've been thinking about asking for an epidural-will this affect my baby in any way? Will it slow the labour down?
What happens if my baby is transverse and doctors try to move it and it still doesnt move?
I have a 7 year old daughter and am currently trying for a second child. I had a Caesarean section with my daughter, what are the chances of having to have another c-section second time around? I have heard that once you have had one chances are you will need another one and I was unsure if there was any truth in this.
Im pregnant with my 4th baby, with my previous child I had a precipitate labour of 35 minutes at 38 weeks, my baby was nearly born in the car. Is there a chance I will be induced to prevent this from happening again?
My cervix is 1cm dilated, can my obstetrician rupture my membranes? I'm 39 weeks!
i have hepatitis C. Will I be able to have natural labour or do I have to have a Caesarean Section?
I have just discovered I am pregnant again. With my first delivery, I had complications with a large tear and post-partum urinary retention which meant I had to self catheterise several times a day for a month after delivery. Should I ask about an elective Caesarean Section this time?
Would a doctor ever let a pregancy go 44 weeks?

Is a spinal anaesthetic the same as an epidural?

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