title: Choice of analgesia/anaesthesia during labour and delivery.
abstract: Considerations for analgesic or anaesthetic intervention during labour and delivery are reviewed. The amelioration of maternal discomfort must be safe for both mother and fetus. The origin and consequences of labour pain are discussed. Maternal stress resulting from pain can adversely affect fetal oxygen supply. The pros and cons of systemic and regional analgesia are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000698:Analgesia / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005311:Fetal Hypoxia / Q000517:prevention & control; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D059408:Pain Management; D010920:Placenta / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012119:Respiration