OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA
Obstetric anesthesia focuses on the complex physiologic, hormonal, and anatomic changes that occur during pregnancy and delivery. Managing both maternal and fetal well-being requires an in-depth understanding of altered cardiovascular, respiratory, and pharmacologic responses. From labor analgesia to cesarean section anesthesia, this section explores the principles, challenges, and evidence-based approaches that guide safe and effective care for pregnant patients. Topics include maternal physiology, placental drug transfer, neuraxial techniques, complications such as high spinal and local anesthetic toxicity, and crisis management in obstetric emergencies. This foundation supports precision, safety, and compassion in anesthesia care for mothers and newborns alike
Physiologic Changes
in Pregnancy
This section reviews the maternal physiologic adaptations that occur during pregnancy and their impact on anesthesia care. Topics include cardiovascular, respiratory, hematologic, renal, and gastrointestinal changes, as well as alterations in drug pharmacokinetics and implications for maternal and fetal safety
Hypertensive Disorders
of Pregnancy
This section focuses on the anesthetic management of hypertensive conditions such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. Topics include pathophysiology, maternal-fetal complications, blood pressure control, seizure prophylaxis, and anesthetic considerations for labor and cesarean delivery.
Non-Obstetric Surgery During Pregnancy
This section reviews anesthetic considerations for pregnant patients undergoing non-obstetric procedures. Topics include maternal and fetal physiology, timing of surgery, anesthetic drug safety, positioning, fetal monitoring, and strategies to minimize uteroplacental compromise and preterm labor.
Maternal Hemodynamic Instability & Shock
This section explores the causes and management of hemodynamic instability and shock in pregnancy. Topics include hypovolemic, cardiogenic, distributive, and obstructive shock, with emphasis on maternal physiology, resuscitation goals, and maintaining uteroplacental perfusion during critical events
Special Situations in Obstetric Anesthesia
This section reviews uncommon but important scenarios that impact anesthetic management in obstetrics. Topics include multiple gestation, morbid obesity, trauma during pregnancy, coexisting medical conditions, and anesthetic considerations for patients refusing blood products or regional anesthesia
Labor Analgesia
This section focuses on pain management strategies during labor. Topics include the physiology of labor pain, regional techniques such as epidural and spinal analgesia, systemic medications, non-pharmacologic options, and their effects on maternal comfort and fetal well-being.
Labor Analgesia
& Pain Pathways
This section explores the physiology of labor pain and the techniques used for its management. Topics include the neural pathways of pain transmission during each stage of labor, regional anesthesia options such as epidural and spinal blocks, and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic analgesia strategies to optimize maternal comfort and safety
Obstetric Hemorrhage
& Resuscitation
This section reviews the causes, recognition, and management of obstetric hemorrhage. Topics include uterine atony, placenta previa, placental abruption, and coagulopathy, as well as resuscitation principles, transfusion strategies, and anesthesia considerations for massive blood loss.
AFE & Critical OB Crises
This section addresses rare but life-threatening obstetric emergencies such as amniotic fluid embolism, cardiac arrest, and anaphylactoid syndromes of pregnancy. Topics include early recognition, pathophysiology, resuscitation protocols, and anesthetic management strategies to optimize maternal
and fetal outcomes
Fetal & Neonatal Considerations
This section focuses on the anesthetic implications of fetal and neonatal physiology. Topics include fetal oxygenation, placental circulation, effects of maternal drugs, intrauterine stress responses, and neonatal transition after birth, highlighting strategies to optimize outcomes for both mother and infant.
Uteroplacental Physiology
This section explains the structure and function of the uteroplacental unit and its role in maternal-fetal exchange. Topics include placental blood flow, oxygen and nutrient transfer, hormonal functions, and factors that influence uteroplacental perfusion under anesthesia and disease states.
Complications of
Regional Anesthesia
This section reviews potential complications related to neuraxial and peripheral regional anesthesia. Topics include high spinal block, local anesthetic systemic toxicity, post-dural puncture headache, nerve injury, infection, and management strategies to ensure early recognition and prompt treatment
Cesarean Delivery Anesthesia
This section reviews anesthetic techniques and considerations for cesarean delivery. Topics include spinal, epidural, and general anesthesia approaches; airway management; maternal hemodynamic control; uteroplacental perfusion; and strategies to ensure safety for both mother and newborn
High-Risk Obstetric Conditions
This section covers the anesthetic management of pregnancies complicated by medical or obstetric risk factors. Topics include cardiac disease, diabetes, multiple gestation, obesity, preterm labor, and other systemic disorders, emphasizing maternal-fetal safety and individualized care plans
Obstetric Cardiac Arrest & Advanced Life Support
This section reviews the principles of maternal resuscitation and advanced life support during pregnancy. Topics include physiological adaptations that alter CPR effectiveness, airway management, left uterine displacement, medication considerations, and perimortem cesarean delivery to improve maternal
and fetal survival
Obstetric Cardiac Arrest & Advanced Life Support
This section reviews the principles of maternal resuscitation and advanced life support during pregnancy. Topics include physiological adaptations that alter CPR effectiveness, airway management, left uterine displacement, medication considerations, and perimortem cesarean delivery to improve maternal
and fetal survival
Labor Progress
This section reviews the stages and physiology of normal labor. Topics include cervical dilation, uterine contractions, fetal descent, and maternal adaptations, as well as factors influencing labor progression and anesthetic implications during each stage
Comprehensive Obstetric Anesthesia Study Sheet
This section provides a complete overview of anesthesia care for pregnant patients, from physiological adaptations to advanced clinical management. I