What type of pain relief is offered before and after a cesarean?

If you have not already had an epidural or spinal anesthesia for labor, or this is a scheduled cesarean, you will most likely be given a regional anesthetic (epidural or spinal). If there is a reason that you can’t get regional anesthesia or it is an emergency you may be given a general anesthetic. You also may be offered a pre-operative sedative, and the surgical consent form may say this is a possibility. In family centered cesareans, sedatives are typically not offered, as it can make it more difficult to be alert and present during your birth. After the birth, you may have the option of IV or oral pain medications, which you should discuss with your provider.