A significant number of women undergo anesthesia and surgery during pregnancy for procedures unrelated to delivery. In order to provide safe anaesthesia for mother and fetus, it is essential for the anesthetist to have thorough understanding of the physiological and...

Deaths of babies in the first 28 days of life in resource-limited countries can be significantly reduced with a small number of low-tech interventions. This article summarises the core equipment and skills needed for the resuscitation of newborns where equipment...

Physiological changes in the parturient occur due to the needs of the developing foetus. Understanding these changes is important when administering anaesthesia to the obstetric patient. Additionally, understanding the physiological effects in the foetus allows for appropriate intrauterine monitoring and...

Postpartum hemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Oxytocic drugs are the main stay in prevention as well as treatment. Oxytocin remains the drug of choice

Sepsis remains one of the four main causes of maternal mortality. Common causes of severe sepsis & septic shock during pregnancy include pyelonephritis, infection during labour and peurpurium & respiratory infection.

Trauma during pregnancy is the leading non-obstetrical cause of maternal death and remains the most common cause of foetal demise. Trauma management needs multidisciplinary team of emergency physician, obstetrician, anesthesiologist & surgeons. Major trauma causes obstetric & fetal complications &...

Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Obesity during pregnancy puts the mother, fetus and neonate at higher risk of morbidity and mortality during the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods.

The anaesthesiologist’s expertise in treatment of the parturient and massive haemorrhage resuscitation is a valuable component of the multidisciplinary care team’s capacity to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This article reviews recent updates in the diagnosis and management...

Pre-eclampsia causes significant morbidity and mortality to both mother and foetus worldwide, the major causes being delayed diagnosis and poor management. Identifying the parturient at risk of developing pre-eclampsia is paramount and optimising this patient cohort is key. Early management...

The cause of maternal collapse and cardiorespiratory arrest is not always immediately apparent. A generic approach based on Basic and Advanced Adult Life Support is recommended. Key modifications to these algorithms are required in pregnancy. These include early intubation and...