Quick Answer
Yes, most doctors will provide medication to help relax and calm you before a C-section. The most common options are anti-anxiety medications and spinal or epidural anesthesia. The anti-anxiety medication helps ease nerves, while the spinal or epidural numbs you from the waist down. This regional anesthesia allows you to remain awake during the surgery but not feel any pain. Some women may also receive IV sedation medications to produce a deeper relaxation. The medications given will depend on your doctor’s recommendations and your preferences. The goal is to keep both mom and baby safe while making you as comfortable as possible.
What Medications Are Used for C-Sections?
There are three main types of medications used to relax and prepare women for cesarean deliveries:
Anti-Anxiety Medications
– Given orally or through IV
– Examples: Valium, Versed
– Helps relieve anxiety before surgery
– You remain awake and alert
Spinal Anesthesia
– Injection into the fluid around the spinal cord
– Numbs from waist down
– Given right before surgery in operating room
– You remain awake but cannot feel pain below injection site
Epidural Anesthesia
– Administered through tube placed in lower back
– Numbs waist down
– Can be given earlier in labor then topped off for surgery
– Also leaves you awake but numb to surgical pain
When Are the Medications Given?
The timing depends on the type of medication:
| Medication | When It’s Given |
|---|---|
| Anti-anxiety meds (oral) | 30-60 minutes before surgery |
| Anti-anxiety meds (IV) | Right before entering OR |
| Spinal anesthesia | Right before surgery in OR |
| Epidural | During labor then topped off before surgery |
Anti-anxiety medications are given ahead of time so they can start working to help you relax. Spinals and epidurals are given closer to go-time since they act fast and provide quick pain relief for surgery.
What If I’m Really Scared of the C-Section?
It’s very normal to feel anxious about having a C-section. After all, it is major surgery. The good news is your doctor has many ways to help you feel more relaxed:
– Prescribe a more powerful anti-anxiety medication if standard meds aren’t enough
– Give IV sedation in the OR to make you very sleepy and calm
– Administer the spinal or epidural very slowly and provide numbness in stages to make it less scary
– Have an anesthesiologist available to talk you through each step and address any concerns
– Allow your birth partner to stay by your side as much as possible for comfort
– Play music in the OR you find soothing
Don’t be afraid to be honest with your doctor about how anxious you feel. It’s their job to provide both emotional and pain relief before, during, and after the procedure.
What If I Don’t Want Medication?
It is possible to have a “natural” or unmedicated C-section without pain medication, but this is very rare. The spinal or epidural is considered essential for the safety and comfort of most women having surgery. However, you can opt to skip other medications like the anti-anxiety pills. You may be able to use hypnosis, meditation, or deep breathing instead to stay calm. Discuss all your options with your OB well in advance so a plan can be put in place that you feel good about. Keep in mind that being awake and alert during the birth is generally recommended so you can meet your baby.
Conclusion
Before a C-section, most women will receive IV fluids along with some combination of anti-anxiety meds, spinal anesthesia, epidural anesthesia, and/or IV sedation medication. The goal is to keep you comfortable, calm, and pain-free during the surgery, while also allowing you to be awake for the birth of your child. Be open with your doctor about your questions, concerns, and preferences so that the right medications and dosages can be provided to best suit your needs. With the right preparation, your C-section can be a safe, soothing birth experience.