1 Define high-risk pregnancy. High-risk pregnancies are those that involve either a maternal or fetal condition that increases the likelihood of maternal or fetal morbidity and/or mortality. They comprise approximately 6% to 18% of total pregnancies ( Table 56.1 );…
1 What modes of analgesia are available to the parturient? Parenteral opioids, inhaled nitrous oxide, epidural, spinal, and combined spinal-epidural (CSE) are all acceptable modes of analgesia, depending on the patient's comorbidities, time of presentation, clinical condition, and personal preference.…
1 What are the cardiovascular adaptations to pregnancy? Increased progesterone levels associated with pregnancy are presumed to increase the production of nitric oxide and prostacyclin. This is coupled with a decreased response to catecholamines and angiotensin, resulting in vasodilation. The…