ObGyn/Pregnancy issues - what happens when the epidural is done and the injection pops the blood vessel? should i have another epidural? if yes what kind?
Expert: Lawrence Jay Rappaport <B>M.D.</B> - 11/3/2005
Question im 33 yrs old, i have one child(a boy).im 32 weeks pregant and i had complications with my first delivery where they did the epidural and it hit a blood vessel. the doctor is saying i need a c-section but with a spina tab, im wondering if general anasthesia would be a better decision. what do u think?
Answer If you need a cesarean section, an epidural or spinal anesthesia is better than general anesthesia for the safety of the baby and for you. It is quite common to occasionally get a "bloody tap' by hitting a blood vessel when attempting an epidural block. It is rare and it unlikely that it will happen again. A spinal is a bit quicker than an epidural, but an epidural lasts longer. I like spinals because they take effect immediately and I can start the cesarean right away. With an epidural, it can take 10-15 mintues before it takes effect. Don't worry about them hitting a blood vessel.
