What are the risks to me?

A very serious risk of general anesthesia is that you may vomit as you go to sleep. If stomach contents are inhaled into your lungs, you could develop a serious type of pneumonia. That is why it is so important for you not to eat or drink anything once regular contractions begin or your water breaks.

Even if you have not eaten for several hours, there is still a chance that you could vomit, since digestion of food is slowed during labor. Also, the pregnant uterus pushes up against the stomach, often causing heartburn and nausea even before labor starts.

To reduce the chance of vomiting and pneumonia, you will receive an antacid (Bicitra) just before the operation. As you go to sleep, we will put pressure on the front of your neck to reduce the risk of vomiting. The anesthesiologist or CRNA will insert a breathing tube to protect your lungs after you go to sleep and remove it just before you awake.