Obstetric anesthesia: present aspects

Abstract

The study reviews the well-established ways to apply labor analgesia which are practiced widely, with a simultaneous analytical overview of current and influential aspects in the field of obstetric anesthesia. In the introduction, attention is paid to the global morbidity and the morbid- ity trend in the field of obstetric anesthesia, which shows positive changes, primarily as a result of more frequent application of regional obstetric anesthesia in general. The current procedures and methods with their specifics have been analyzed, as well as up-to-date data regarding side effects, which have been duly addressed. Special emphasis on the respiratory depression risk caused by intrathecal opioid route is considered, whose usability is very common today. From that aspect, the study is conceived as an opportunity for better information and understanding of the current aspects of obstetric anesthesia, with the ultimate goal of improving the final outcome of the process of labor, thus implicating better well-being for both mother and newborn.