Handbook of Obstetric Anaesthesia

Providing obstetric anaesthesia in the delivery suite and maternitytheatre presents a challenge to every practising anaesthetist. Notonly are there two patients to consider, often with opposing needs,but the physiology and anatomy of the pregnant woman variessignificantly from her non-pregnant counterpart. Furthermore,many procedures are done as emergencies with additional riskfactors. And in recent years, the complexity of care of the pregnantpopulation has been increased by factors such as risingmaternal age and co-morbidities which in the past may have precludedpregnancy. There is therefore a need for a comprehensive,up-to-date textbook covering all aspects of care for parturientsincluding recent approaches to neuraxial anaesthesia, new technologies,drugs, protocols, and guidelines.This textbook brings together international contributors whoare experts in their fields and who have provided in-depth,evidence-based chapters on obstetric anaesthesia with practicalinformation and guidance that we hope will be of value for thoseworking in the maternity environment wherever they happen topractise.