General Anesthesia for Birth

When General Anesthesia Is Used

General anesthesia is used for emergency cesareans when there is no time for an epidural or spinal, when regional anesthesia does not work, or when there is heavy bleeding. Your partner will be fully unconscious and will not remember the birth. You will not be in the operating room.

What Happens

The medication is given through an IV, and your partner is asleep within 30 to 60 seconds. A tube is placed in the throat to help with breathing. The baby is usually delivered within minutes. Once the baby is born, you may be called in to hold the baby skin-to-skin while your partner is in the recovery room.

What Recovery Looks Like

• Your partner will wake up in recovery groggy, disoriented, and possibly nauseated or shivering
• It may take 30 to 60 minutes to become fully awake
• Repeat what happened once your partner is alert enough to understand
• Show them the baby as soon as they can focus their eyes
• Help with the first feeding attempt once they are awake
• Ask the nurse when ice chips or water are allowed