Anaesthesia Fundamentals | Physiology | Physiology of Pregnancy and Labour 2

Physiology of Pregnancy and Labour 2
Session Overview
Description
This session will explore the changes in gastrointestinal, central nervous system, endocrine, renal and musculoskeletal physiology providing the necessary understanding for a doctor starting in obstetric anaesthesia.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the changes which occur in barrier pressure during pregnancy
• Explain why pregnant women are at increased risk of acid aspiration
• Describe the changes which occur in the epidural and subarachnoid spaces during pregnancy and how these changes influence the effects of injected solutions within the compartments
• Explain the changes which occur in endocrine, renal, hepatic and musculoskeletal physiology during pregnancy

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should complete the following:

• Module 07b/Pregnancy/Physiology of the mother/Physiology of pregnancy and labour 1 (001-0706)

Pregnancy induces immense physiological changes on the body to cope with the growing foetus, uterus and placenta. These are largely due to the effects of oestrogen and progesterone. Significant changes also occur during labour and immediately following delivery of the baby.

The session: Module 7b/Physiology of the mother/Physiology of pregnancy and labour 1 looked at the changes that occur in the cardiovascular, haematological and respiratory systems.

This session will explore the changes in gastrointestinal, central nervous system, endocrine, renal and musculoskeletal physiology providing the necessary understanding for a doctor starting in obstetric anaesthesia.