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Anesthetic management of labor pain: what does an obstetrician need to know?

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics volume 271, pages 97–103 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Obstetrical anesthesia is considered by many to be a high-risk subspecialty of anesthesia practice that is laden with clinical challenges and medico-legal liability. Anesthesia-related complications are the sixth leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal mortality in the United States.

Complications

Difficult or failed intubation following induction of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery remains the major contributory factor to anesthesia-related maternal complications.

Requirements

Communication skills and exchange of information (between anesthesiologists, obstetricians, and nurses) in an ever changing environment of labor and delivery are essential for a perfect outcome, which is always expected when providing safe passage for both the mother and her fetus from antepartum to postpartum period. The safe provision of labor anesthesia and/or analgesia requires appropriate staff, facilities, and equipment for proper patient safety.

Discussion

This article is intended for obstetricians and reviews the current guidelines for the administration of obstetrical anesthesia and analgesia.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Departments of Anesthesiology, and Reproductive Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92103-8770, USA

    Krzysztof M. Kuczkowski

Authors
  1. Krzysztof M. Kuczkowski
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Correspondence to Krzysztof M. Kuczkowski.

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Kuczkowski, K.M. Anesthetic management of labor pain: what does an obstetrician need to know?. Arch Gynecol Obstet 271, 97–103 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-004-0670-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-004-0670-6

Keywords

  • Labor pain
  • Labor analgesia
  • Epidural
  • Obstetric anesthesia
  • Practice guidelines