An overview of obstetric anaesthesia.
Service rendered the obstetric patient by the anaesthetist today includes the provision of anaesthesia for operative obstetric intervention, the provision of pain relief during labour and delivery, resuscitation of the infant immediately after birth and intensive care of the seriously ill mother or infant. The technique of general anaesthesia for caesarean section has become standardized and is unlikely to change much in the future. Epidural analgesia, with its well known advantages--no drug-induced depression of the infant and a mother who sees and holds her infant immediately after delivery--is becoming increasingly favoured as an alternative to general anaesthesia. This technique is also playing an increasingly important role in the provision of analgesia during labour. Lastly, the anaesthetist with his expertise in pharmacology and intensive care medicine can make a major contribution to the supportive care of the seriously ill mother or infant.
D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D011247:Pregnancy