Which is a better anaesthesia for caesarean section–spinal or epidural?

Q: I am 5 months pregnant. According to my gynaecologist the placenta is low-lying and if it doesn't come up I might have to go for a caesarean section. I would like to know, which is the better anaesthesia – spinal or epidural?

A:Epidural is better than spinal anaesthesia for pregnant women as spinal anaesthesia can sometimes result in post anaesthesia spinal headache when you sit to nurse your baby. However, whether or not you will be eligible for regional anaesthesia will depend upon your condition at the time caesarean section is decided. The anaesthesiologist is the person who decides.