We strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible, which sometimes means utilizing anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used depends on the nature of the medical procedure, as well as the patient’s age and medical condition.
A patient who gets general anesthesia is completely unconscious (or "asleep"). Their whole body is numb, and they’re not aware of the procedure as it happens.
This type of anesthesia is administered in the spine and numbs a specific region of the body. A common type of regional anesthesia is an epidural (used primarily during childbirth).
Local anesthesia numbs a small part of the body, and can be given as a shot, spray, or ointment. Local anesthesia may be used for minor procedures, such as getting stitches.
We offer a variety of pain management and anesthesia options to laboring mothers, with the goal of making the birthing experience as comfortable as possible.
An epidural is an injection in the lower back to numb part of the body to pain, and can be used for either vaginal or cesarean delivery. Expectant mothers that receive epidurals remain awake, alert, and more comfortable than if they hadn’t chosen an epidural, although they might still be aware of contractions and feel vaginal exams as labor progresses.
A spinal block, like an epidural block, is a form of regional anesthesia. It’s commonly used for cesarean delivery, and involves a single shot of medication into the fluid around the spinal cord. A spinal block starts to relieve pain quickly, but lasts only a few hours.
