What is general anesthesia?

General anesthesia involves the loss of consciousness and is most often used for emergency cesarean deliveries because it can be started quickly. General anesthesia is also indicated in those instances when a spinal or epidural is not possible for medical or practical reasons.

To prevent the aspiration of food or liquids into the mother’s lungs, your anesthesiologist will place a breathing tube through your mouth into your windpipe once you are asleep during general anesthesia.