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It is usually safest for the mother and baby if the mother is awake when the baby is born.

A spinal block is commonly offered as the anaesthesia for caesarean section. This procedure involves an injection on the back to place medication in the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. The onset of block is fast and reliable. Patients will not feel any pain during caesarean section and will be unable move their legs for several hours. Of note, the sensation of pressure and movement is not eliminated. An effective spinal block will lower the blood pressure. A common symptom as this happen is nausea. The anaesthetist will monitor the blood pressure closely and provide treatment as needed.

Combined spinal epidural (CSE) is when both spinal and epidural block is done simultaneously.

Following a spinal and/or epidural painkillers given incrementally. Simple analgesia like paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) together with opioids (e.g. tramadol and oxycodone) form the basis of this multimodal approach.

Common patient experiences during the caesarean include:

• Pain during spinal and/or epidural block
• Itch
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Shivering shaking
• Feeling pressure and pulling (not sharp pain) during the procedure

Risks / Complications include:

• • Feeling discomfort during procedure if the block is inadequate
  • Headache
  • Low blood pressure
  • Back ache (usually related to pregnancy hormones and not the epidural)
  • Very rarely nerve damage, infection or bleeding near the spinal cord (approximately 1:10,000)

Please see the below link.

Link: ANZCA Patient Information: Pain relief and having a baby

This video is not perfect but may give you an idea what to expect: