Should I Have An Appointment Before Giving Birth Anesthesia?
Should I have a prior consultation about anesthesia at birth? The answer to this question is: yes. This consultation is of paramount importance in the days prior to delivery, as the specialist will determine, through the pre-anesthetic study, the best option for you according to your needs and physical conditions.
As this is an essential consultation, and is undoubtedly one of the final steps to successfully complete your pregnancy, you will see below everything you need to know about the subject. That way, you will be more than prepared for the day.
Prior consultation on birth anesthesia
Why is it mandatory?
Prior consultation about anesthesia for childbirth is mandatory because, before applying any type of anesthesia, the specialist must review your medical history. You should even ask for some exams to be sure of your health status.
Thus, he will be able to choose the best option for you according to your needs and special care.
This evaluation, which is requested by your obstetrician, is not only indicated for pregnant women who must undergo a cesarean section.
It serves to prevent any accident or last-minute emergency as it covers all aspects of helping the mother in the delivery room. This includes managing different types of anesthesia.
Another important point, to understand why this consultation is mandatory, is to know the appropriate amounts of anesthesia that will be applied, taking into account aspects such as age and weight.
Furthermore, and most importantly, it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to be given anesthesia. For this you will have to sign an authorization. All these steps must be studied and carried out in advance.
What are the advantages of this consultation?
The advantages of this consultation, in addition to the most obvious and main thing of being properly assisted during childbirth, is to obtain very complete information about the application of epidural anesthesia and also about the use of local anesthesia, in case your delivery is normal, but with the need to perform an episiotomy.
Information provided by your anesthesiologist
The information provided by your anesthesiologist will basically be about the following points:
- That epidural anesthesia does not produce intense or prolonged suffering in your body. In the same way, for example, he can draw an analogy between the pain you feel when you receive anesthesia in your palate when you go to the dentist.
- It will tell you the possible complications or dangers related to the application of epidural anesthesia. Basically, they are neurological in nature and occur in a very low percentage of the population.
- To a lesser extent, side effects can cause nausea and dizziness, but it also occurs in a few women.
- It will list the multiple benefits of its application, such as the suspension of pain in the lower part of the body. This doesn’t interfere with any of your mental faculties, so you can be vigilant throughout the birthing process.
- Furthermore, it does not affect the baby in any way and its duration is approximately two hours. Therefore, you will not remain under its effects for long afterwards.
In which cases is the use of anesthesia contraindicated?
Prior consultation about anesthesia for childbirth is very helpful to know whether or not you can receive this type of pain treatment. The list of contraindications covers the following conditions:
- Women with advanced dilations
- Diabetes with neurological disorders
- Heart Disease or Chronic Stress Problems
- Obesity
- Tattoo on the lower back
- coagulation problems
- Problems with platelets
If you have any or more of these conditions, it is imperative that you have an appointment scheduled by your obstetrician with the anesthesiologist. Together, they can determine the best options for you.
Another important aspect to attend this consultation is that, in fact, there are minorities that, despite having excellent health, are allergic to anesthesia. To prevent this from happening, disposal tests are also carried out, applying minimal doses and then analyzing your reaction.
As you can see, making a prior appointment with the anesthesiologist is of paramount importance to ensure that your delivery is successful. That way, you’ll be sure to take care of all the essential aspects of ensuring your and your baby’s health.
