Pre-eclampsia is a heterogeneous multisystem disorder of pregnancy. Controversies still exist with regard to its aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. Careful control of the blood pressure in a high dependency setting is paramount. The main concerns to the obstetric anaesthetist are...

The COVID-19 pandemic presents the potential to encounter pregnant patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. This tutorial covers the anaesthetic management of pregnant patients with COVID-19, including an overview of effects of COVID-19 on the mother and fetus, management considerations,...

Septic shock arising in pregnancy or after delivery may be difficult to diagnose and women may deteriorate rapidly. Early warning scoring systems may aid prompt diagnosis so treatment can begin rapidly and a crisis may be averted. If shock develops,...

The management of the pregnant woman with a history of addiction or substance abuse can be challenging. This tutorial focuses on the pathophysiological effects of drug addiction, providing safe perioperative care and achieving effective analgesia both during labour and post-caesarean...

The pain of labour is severe and many women seek ways to reduce it. Non-regional techniques include supportive measures, inhalation of nitrous oxide and parenteral opioid administration. Epidural analgesia provides good quality pain relief in labour. Well conducted studies confirm...