title: Airway management in the obstetric patient.
abstract: In summary, the need to manipulate the airway in the pregnant patient requires careful consideration and substantial planning. Anatomic and physiologic changes of pregnancy, coexisting conditions, and the potential for aspiration all carry a risk of morbidity and, indeed, mortality. Preparation, including early and repeated airway evaluations throughout pregnancy and labor, is encouraged. Knowledge of an emergency airway algorithm and a well thought-out plan for difficult intubations are imperative. Equipment must be available and in good condition. Finally, proper education and review for individuals involved in the delivery of care on the labor floor are mandatory. Although it is not always possible to control the manner in which these patients present, it is usually possible to control the environment into which they present.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA. lewin@mail.med.upenn.edu
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Lewin
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Cheek
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Deutschman
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D000465:Algorithms; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015897:Comorbidity; D003663:Decision Trees; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*