It will definitely be because of your disc bulge - I have the same in my lower back and recently saw an anaesthetist.  I am having an elective c-section for this very reason and took my MRI scans so that they could see the problem disc.  It is more precautionary than anything else - they can make sure they site any epidural/spinal block without causing further damage etc.

It is no big deal, they will just make some notes in your book and that is it!

My Hubbie is an Anaesthetist and they do like to see women who could have potential problems if an epidural were required. There can be more difficulty of insertion with spinal vertebrate problems even though it is placed much further down your back. I was referred to see the Anaesthetist because I had an autoimmune condition 12months before pregnancy. Even though it had completely gone, it still flags up as a risk factor. I'm sure you'll be fine. Good Luck.

hi

I would say it is because of ure disc's in your back but i have had a bad back and slipped disc and i told the midwife, well she asked at my booking app, so itoo have to see the anthetist, i wouldnt worry its pretty normal xxx

I also had to have a appointment and it was due to my bmi and they like to access if there is a problem in given you a epidural or a general if needed,  once i saw the consultant he said there would not be problem in giving me a epidural as even though my bmi indicates i am on the level of obese, i certainly dont look like it, he checked my back and spine and he could feel my spine no problem. you can be referred for many reasons one of the biggest being high bmi. but its procedure and if your slightly over the average bmi, you get referred

My BMI is fine. I'm within the normal range. Think it might be due to previous injury but forgot to ask at gp's yesterday so will ask midwife at next visit as someone would have had to refer me!!

can i ask do you have a high bmi?

pregnant women who have high bmi get sent to the anaesthatist for a consultation. i had an appointment when i was pg with my 4th last year even my mw told me not to bother as its voluntary and she had had several women come out of there in tears as all they did was go on about their weight and how unhealthy they are. which is balls as you can have a high bmi and be healthy and active still.

I saw the anaesthetist a couple of weeks ago, but I'd been told from the beginning that I would need to as I have a reaction to anaesthetic after ops.  They should have told you if they wanted you to see them and why? I would ask?

They request you see one of you have any previous injuries which could mean normal dosages of pain relief don't work or if there is anything they need to be careful of.

I have to go for a very different reason, due to raised bmi, apparently because i'm big british standard i may need more pain relief than some one of less meatage! lol!

If your concerned phone the hospital and get them to explain why they've asked to see you, can't hurt to ask.

That'll be why. I have 5 damaged discs in my neck, and nerve damage caused by it. They needed to check that I would be okay for a general, due to the problems I suffer with.

They said they are happy for me to have an epidural or spinal block - but I won't risk it. They also said that they will give me a general if I need a c-section.

Cool thanks. I was just a bit surprised as no one had mentioned it to me before and thought it was a bit weird when i got in the post today.

If they are a little concerned about your bulgin discs they may want you to see the anethsatist to talk things through with them just in case you need a section. i have to meet mine as i had my spine fused and they need to check and epidural would be possible and they would be happy to give one if by any change i need a section or want an epidural for pain relief.

I'd just go and see them hun, it can't hurt to have someone else be aware of you and have even more bases covered should you need them

I haven't asked for this and there is no reason why i would need a c section. I have problems with bulging discs in my neck and back from an accident in 2004 but surely this wouldn't be a reason?

A friend said it could be to discuss epidural etc but thought it a bit weird as i hadn't requested it.

I'm 17+3 with my second pregnancy but first baby. I had problems with my first pregnancy and had to have an operation, I also then had problems with the operation (didn't wake up for 2 hours and only supposed to be gone for half an hour!). So because of that my midwife has said I'll probably need to see an anethetist at some point. Not been told when though.

If you've had problems with anethetics before then that could be why. hth

xox

Isnt an anesthetist sum1 who puts u to sleep before an operation??? Are u meant to be havin a c section? Give them a call it might be an admin error. xx

I had to see one due to my neck injury, to discuss options. I am refusing an epidural or spinal block due to my injury.

I don't know why you'd have to see one unless there is an issue for you having a general?

sorry.

I'm 25 wks and today i got a letter from the hospital for an appointment to see an Anesthetist on 13th May. Why would this be? No one has mentioned this to me before and i am just a bit confused? I haven't said i want an epidural if anything it is a last resort.

I'm confused.