Antenatal anaesthetic assessment of the pregnant woman

Cormack, Caroline; Francis, Satya; Yentis, Steve

doi:10.1016/j.mpaic.2007.04.007

« Previous Next »Anaesthesia & intensive care medicine
Volume 8, Issue 7 , Pages 269-272, July 2007

Antenatal anaesthetic assessment of the pregnant woman

Caroline Cormack, FRCA, is Specialist Registrar in Anaesthesia in the Central London School of Anaesthesia. She qualified from Edinburgh University and is specializing in obstetric anaesthesia

Satya Francis, FRCA, is Consultant Anaesthetist at the University Hospitals of Leicester with special interest in obstetric anaesthesia. She qualified from Madras University, India, and trained in anaesthesia in Birmingham and Leicester

Steve Yentis, FRCA, is Consultant Anaesthetist at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London. He qualified from London University and trained in anaesthesia in London and Toronto, Canada. His main area of practice is obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia, especially in patients at high risk

Abstract

The number of pregnant women with significant pre-existing disease is thought to be increasing. Appropriate early referral of these women to an anaesthetist for assessment allows for the identification of problems or potential problems and formulation of a management plan for the pregnancy, delivery and puerperium. The options for analgesia in labour and/or anaesthesia for operative delivery, including the risks and benefits, can be discussed calmly in the clinic setting, and the patient’s views or concerns sought. Any special requirements (e.g. latex-free equipment, extra staff, ICU bed) can also be planned for accordingly. We review the categories of cases that would benefit from antenatal referral to an anaesthetist and discuss possible strategies for the setting up of a designated antenatal anaesthetic assessment service.

Keywords: antenatal anaesthetic assessment, high-risk cases, obstetrical anaesthesia