Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 12/16/2006

Question
I'm pregnant with my first child.  I have spina bifida with a lesion about L4/5.  Would most non-specialist doctors be able to give me an epidural during labor or would I need a larger teaching type hospital.  I have a consultation with a perinatologist, but I want to have as much info. as possible before hand.

Answer
I would tend to suggest you go to a teaching hospital. While any anesthesiologist can perform the procedure, most facilities won't have the level of care for you (should you need it). It would also depend on if you have any neurologic deficits if any anesthesiologist would even try it

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston