PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for September, 1999: Re: General Anesthesia for Vaginal Delivery

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Re: General Anesthesia for Vaginal Delivery

From: William D. McIntosh, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 30 Sep 1999 11:49:14 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Alicia: "General Anesthesia for Vaginal Delivery"

At Wed, 29 Sep 1999, Alicia wrote: >
>Do any doctors still deliver babies of moms under general anesthesia?
>I'm told the risks are slightly higher than those of epidural, etc., but
>also that a general is safe and precautions are taken so that you don't
>aspirate stomach contents, which was the main reason generals fell from
>favor. What I'm getting at is... is general anesthesia so dangerous as
>to eliminate it as an option for a normal, healthy pregnant woman? One
>who has heard all the arguments for being "awake" during delivery, and
>how much "better" an epidural is, and still thinks it's the right choice
>for her?
>
>Alicia

I am unaware of anyone doing vaginal deliveries under general anesthesia. This would have substantial risks, both to mother and baby. We try to avoid general even with C/S, when we can control the length of time the fetus is exposed to the anesthetic agents down to just a few minutes. You have no such control over vaginal delivery. The fetus could well be unable to breath or move upon delivery. Not to mention that the mother would be unable to push, thereby demanding an operative delivery. General anesthesia is NOT a reasonable option for a healthy woman planning vaginal delivery.

-- William D. McIntosh, MD, FACOG Clarksville, TN

This is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace consultation and examination by your physician or other health care provider.

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