Physiological and Anatomical Changes of Pregnancy: Implications for Anaesthesia

Overview

Journal Indian J Anaesth

Specialty Anesthesiology

Date 2018 Sep 22

PMID 30237589

Citations 31

Authors

Pradeep Bhatia

Swati Chhabra

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

During pregnancy, the body goes through various anatomical and physiological changes to provide suitable environment for foetal development, to cater to the increased metabolic demands and to prepare for the childbirth. These changes have notable anaesthetic implications in determining the optimal anaesthetic technique, while also keeping in mind the gestational age, type of procedure and any coexisting medical condition. It is important to note that these changes revert to baseline (pre-pregnancy) levels at different time intervals during the postpartum period which is important while managing postpartum patients. None of the anaesthetic agents are known teratogens; however, there is concern regarding the effects of some agents on the developing brain.

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