Anesthesia during birth?

[cameragirl]

If I had my choice, I'd personally go for a completely natural delivery. I don't want painkillers, just a successful VBAC. However, I'm dealing with a disability that may make anesthesia necessary. I get painful muscle spasms and rigidity that is really present all the time, but stress, fatigue, and trauma can make it worse. There is only one case report out there on this condition and pregnancy that is relevant to me. (Same type of the disease, that is.) The case study was just published this year and supported vaginal birth, but recommended early anesthesia to prevent spasms. I can't access that specific journal through my college for some reason, so my Ob asked me to fax her the info so that she can look it up. The thing is, anesthesia may not stop the spasms, but it may make them tolerable so that I can have a vaginal birth.

That being said, what might be a good option for someone having a VBAC? I took a class on anesthesia when pregnant with DD, but it was taught from a hospital-birth perspective. Nothing natural about it. I plan on staying home as long as I can, and then at the hospital I'd like to be able to move around as needed. I had a big baby last time, and I know that being up and moving can help with the process. I had a spinal for the c-section last time, and hated not being able to feel any part of my body below my breasts. I know that an epidural can be dialed down, but it would likely keep me in bed. What might be the least sedating for the baby? Thank you!

[zinemama]

Least sedating for the baby would probably be nubain or a similar narcotic. I wouldn't recommend that, though. If I had to do it over, I would get the epidural (which I turned down, thinking the "lesser" narcotic would take the edge off my back labor, the way they told me it would). Nubain made me sleep between the contractions and wake up for them. Only thing it took the edge off was my sanity. However, it may affect different women differently. Best of luck!

[cameragirl]

Thank you. I don't think I've had Nubain before...I know that I have had morphine twice. It doesn't do much for me, and I ended up having to get additional meds to fight the creepy crawly feeling the Morphine caused. Other narcotics have been fine by injection, though.

My chiropractor is very into natural birth, and she suggested waiting as long as possible. Then getting an epidural, and adjust the dosage as needed. I'm sure the OB would probably prefer the epidural on the off chance that I rupture. I'm not completely opposed to it, but I want to be able to move around if I need to. I know that laying on my back isn't the best position.

[kathrineg]

Can you consult with an anesthesiologist ahead of time? They will know much more than the OB or chiro. Lots of advances in the epidural lately.

[cameragirl]

I'm sure she'd get me an appointment with one if I asked. I had DH fax over the case study info today for her. I also consulted with a perinatologist, but don't need to see him unless complications arise for some reason. Of course, when I did take a class with an anesthesiologist, they were of the impression that it didn't affect the baby or birth process at all. I'm not sure if opinions have changed enough in the past 5-6 years, or if it was just that particular hospital. We're going to a different, newer hospital this time.