Analgesia is the relief of pain. It can take a variety of forms including pain medication, local anaesthesia or regional block. Anaesthesia implies either unconsciousness (general anaesthesia) or complete absence of sensation (regional anaesthesia) (Healthtap.com).

Part of the World Clinics: Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain series, this book presents evidence-based reviews of current protocols in the management of labour and delivery using analgesia and/or anaesthesia.

Divided into three sections, the book begins with an introduction to the basic anatomical and physiological changes in pregnancy, practical pharmacology and neonatal physiology.

Section two discusses obstetric analgesia, including non-pharmacological options. The third section describes obstetric anaesthesia, including airway management in general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia for caesarean section, and management of failed spinal block.  

Key points

• Part of World Clinics: Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain series
• Evidence-based reviews of obstetrical analgesia and anaesthesia
• Contributions from specialists in the USA, Europe and Asia