Introduction

You have been given this leaflet because you have had an epidural or a spinal anaesthetic. This was done either for pain relief during childbirth or as part of the anaesthetic for your operation. This leaflet provides information about:

  • What to expect after spinal anaesthesia
  • How to take care of yourself at home
  • When to seek medical attention

Problems are rare but if you experience problems in the days or even weeks after your epidural or spinal, it’s very important that you seek advice from a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

What to Expect

You may experience the following after spinal anaesthesia:

  • Numbness or weakness in your legs – usually resolves within 4 - 6 hours
  • Low blood pressure or dizziness – usually resolves quickly
  • Difficulty passing urine – common but short-lived
  • Mild headache or backache

These effects are generally short-term and improve without treatment.

Discharge Criteria

You will be discharged once:

  • You have regained full movement and feeling in your legs
  • You can walk safely (if required)
  • You have passed urine
  • You feel well enough to go home

You must have a responsible adult to accompany you home and stay with you for 24 hours.

At Home: What You Should Do

✔ Rest for 24 hours and gradually return to normal activity
✔ Drink plenty of fluids, unless advised otherwise
✔ Eat normally when you feel ready
✔ Take pain relief as advised
✔ Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 24–48 hours

What to Avoid

✘ Do not drive for at least 24 hours
✘ Do not operate machinery
✘ Do not drink alcohol or sign legal documents in the first 24 hours

Special Advice for Maternity Patients

If you had spinal anaesthesia for childbirth (e.g. caesarean section):

  • Breastfeeding is safe as soon as you feel well
  • Continue to take pain relief as prescribed (safe in breastfeeding)
  • Ask for help if you feel weak, dizzy, or need assistance with baby care

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your GP, midwife, maternity unit, or hospital if you experience:

  • ❗ Severe or worsening headache, especially if it improves when lying down
  • ❗ Persistent numbness or weakness in your legs
  • ❗ Inability to pass urine after several hours
  • ❗ Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • ❗ Severe or increasing back pain
  • ❗ Signs of infection at the injection site (redness, swelling, warmth, discharge)
  • ❗ Fever, drowsiness or confusion

Contact Information for the hospital:

For women, post delivery:

Maternity ward at Cumberland Infirmary on 01228 814269

Maternity ward at West Cumberland Hospital on 01946 523260

For all others:

Anaesthetic secretary: 01228 814196 between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday - Friday

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302