Published on Nov. 13, 2017
There are many types of pain relief available for women during labor. Options range from non‑medical techniques like counter‑pressure to anesthesiologist‑administered treatments such as an epidural. With so many choices, you can often decide how you want to manage labor pain.
However, if you have a scheduled or emergency C‑section, you will most likely receive a spinal block before surgery. Romper spoke with Dr. Julio Duarte, Chief of Anesthesiology at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, to explain what you need to know so you can feel prepared.
What Is a Spinal Block?
Also called a “saddle block,” spinal anesthesia works faster than an epidural and causes a complete loss of feeling and muscle control below the waist, according to WebMD.
Because of this effect, spinal blocks are typically used only for assisted deliveries, such as C‑sections.
Spinal Block vs. Epidural: What’s the Difference?
Since epidurals are more familiar to many women, Romper asked Duarte to explain how the two forms of anesthesia differ.
How a Spinal Block Works
"In a spinal block, anesthetics are injected directly inside the Dural Sac (a covering that surrounds and contains the spinal cord and cerebral spinal fluid). Those blocks are typically done as a single shot. Once the block settles, it will last for a few hours depending on the type and quantity of the medication used," says Duarte.
How an Epidural Works
"In an epidural block, anesthetics are injected inside the epidural space which lays between the Dural Sac and the Vertebra. Epidurals are typically delivered via a catheter which remains in place and is infused with medication until the procedure or labor is complete," he adds.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Spinal blocks act faster
- Epidurals can last longer since medication is continuously infused
- Spinal blocks are typically single‑dose injections
Other Anesthesia Options During Labor
Spinal blocks and epidurals aren’t the only options.
Duarte explains that "some anesthesiologists will also perform a combined spinal epidural (CSE) during labor to get the immediate pain relief from a spinal block followed by the slower onset of a continuous infusion of an epidural catheter."
Recent studies show positive results with this approach, noting that CSE offers effective pain control during early labor without negatively affecting delivery outcomes.
What Does a Spinal Block Feel Like?
If you receive a spinal block for childbirth, Duarte explains what you can expect:
"The patient will immediately feel their legs warm and tingly. The sensation moves to their belly within a few minutes. After the block settles, the patient will not feel any pain below the level of the block. The patient will also be unable to move her legs for a few hours."
Is a Spinal Block Safe for Your Baby?
Many parents worry about how anesthesia might affect their baby. Duarte provides reassurance:
"most of the medication stays within the Dural Sac and is only detected in the mother's blood in very low concentrations. Therefore the effects to the baby are minimized. This is partly why spinals are the anesthetic of choice for cesarean sections."
Who Should Not Receive a Spinal Block?
Certain medical conditions may disqualify someone from having a spinal block. According to Duarte, these include:
- Severe spinal stenosis
- Recent use of anticoagulants
- Infection at the injection site
- Multiple sclerosis
Being Prepared for Your Birth Plan
If your birth plan includes a spinal block, understanding how and why it is used can provide peace of mind. Even if you’re planning a natural birth without pain medication, being informed about all your options helps you feel prepared for any situation.
Ultimately, knowledge supports better decisions—for both you and your baby.
