Obstetric analgesia and anaesthesia

Abstract

This chapter is based on the current core curriculum of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists training programme. It covers the relevant anaesthesia knowledge criteria in the management of labour and delivery. The chapter provides succinct and important pieces of information on the following: (1) types and methods of action of analgesia and sedation including narcotics, hypnotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their indications and contraindications; (2) types and methods of action of regional anaesthesia including epidural, spinal, and pudendal nerve block and their indications and contraindications; (3) complications of anaesthesia and analgesia including cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, aspiration, and drug reactions; (4) anaesthesia agents—induction, inhalational, and prophylactic measures; and (5) advice on pain relief.