How to Prepare for Anesthesia
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preparing for anesthesia.
How do I get ready for anesthesia?
The steps you will take to prepare for anesthesiaThe use of medications to temporarily block pain, sensations, and awareness during procedures and surgery. There are many different types of anesthesia that a CRNA can provide. depend on the surgery or medical procedure being performed, the type of anesthesia needed, and your medical history. You can get ready for anesthesia by following the pre-procedure instructions, discussing your health and anesthesia history with your healthcare team, and educating yourself about what you can expect on the day of your procedure. Read more about What to Know Before Your Procedure.
Why can't I eat or drink before anesthesia?
Not eating and drinking before anesthesia is essential in preventing a complication called aspirationThe inhalation of foreign materials, including food, water, stomach contents, and saliva, into the airway and lungs instead of being swallowed down the esophagus. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia, lung damage, and can even be a medical emergency. . Aspiration occurs when food, water, stomach contents, and saliva are inhaled into the airway and lungs. To help decrease the risk of aspiration, make sure you follow the specific instructions given to you by your healthcare team. Learn more about Eating & Drinking before Anesthesia.
What questions should I ask my anesthesia professional?
There are many different types of questions you should ask your anesthesia professional before your surgery or medical procedure. Some examples of these questions include:
- What type of anesthesia will I receive? How will it be administered?
- When will I fall asleep?
- Will I have monitors during surgery?
- Will I be awake or asleep during the procedure? Will I see or hear anything?
- Will I feel pain during the procedure, and how will it be treated?
- What happens when I wake up? How will I feel?
- How long will it take for my anesthesia to wear off?
Learn more about questions to ask your anesthesia professional and review the Checklist for Adult Patients.
How can I prepare my child for anesthesia?
The steps you will take to prepare your child for anesthesia depend on the surgery or medical procedure being performed, the type of anesthesia needed, and your child’s medical history. You can get your child ready for anesthesia by following the pre-procedure instructions, discussing your child’s health and anesthesia history with their healthcare team, and educating yourself about what you can expect on the day of your child’s procedure. Children should be involved in this process so that they know what to expect as well. Learn more about How to Prepare Your Child for Surgery and review the Checklist for Child Patients.
What are my pain control options during childbirth?
There are many different options to help control pain during childbirth. These include both medications and non-medication options. Medication options include epiduralsAn injection of numbing medication into the epidural space that blocks pian signals from specific nerves. Epidurals can be given as a single injection, or with a catheter (tubing) that stays in place to continuously give medication. , spinal anesthesiaSometimes called a “spinal block,” this is an injection of numbing medication into the spinal fluid that numbs the body from the waist down. , and pain medications. For more information on these options, read these articles:
Non-medication options include breathing and movement techniques, massage, birthing balls, and heat/cold therapy. Learn more about Drug-Free Pain Control.