Obstetric Anesthesia/Analgesia

The Challenge

• Description: The processes of labor and delivery are associated with physiologic and tissue changes that result in neural signals that are universally interpreted as pressure and pain.

• Scope of the Problem: On average, more than 60% of women in the United States receive epidural or spinal anesthesia during labor or delivery. Even more women receive other forms of analgesia or anesthesia during the course of labor.

• Objectives of Management: To provide relief from discomfort for both physiologic and psychologic well-being during the course of labor and delivery, while still protecting the health and safety of the mother and fetus.