C-Section with Von Willebrand Disease: Risks & Epidural Concerns

Question
Hi Doctor. Thank you for the opportunity to ask this question. I am 38 years old, and 29 weeks pregnant with twins (my first successful pregnancy). I have mild Type 1 Von Willebrand's, and my hematologist is hesitant to okay an epidural or spinal for fear of bleeding which she said could lead to paralysis! Yikes! My OB is almost definitely planning a c-section, and I worry that a general would bring its own host of potential problems, including of course affecting the babies which the regional options wouldn't do. Any thoughts? I also have a mitral valve prolapse with mild regurgitation that would require antibiotics at the time of delivery.
Thanks!
Wendy

Answer
Even with Von Willebrand's, as long as your platelet count is within normal limits, you may be allowed to have regional anesthesia (epidural or spinal). Discuss it with the anesthesiologist at the hospital where you will be delivering. However, if you do have to have general anesthesia, there should be no danger to the babies since the surgery would be done quickly.