Anaesthesia | Obstetrics | Pregnancy and Drugs Used by Anaesthetists

Pregnancy and Drugs Used by Anaesthetists
Session Overview
Description
This session provides an introduction to pregnancy associated changes in pharmacology and the effect of drugs upon the uterus and fetus.

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

• Describe how the effects of anaesthetic agents upon the mother and neonate affect anaesthetic management
• Categorize drugs by their general effect on the pregnant woman and their specific actions on the uterus and on the neonate

The use of anaesthetic drugs in pregnancy, particularly at the time of labour and delivery, has effects that are:

• General
• Uterine, including placental blood flow
• Neonatal, of maternally administered drug

It is important that anaesthetists are familiar with the effects of anaesthetic drugs on the pregnant woman and fetus.